eth_sign Blind Signing Eyewash: Principles, Traps, and Prevention Measures

Recently, the eth_sign blind signing eyewash has frequently appeared, and many users have been induced to sign seemingly harmless eth_sign signatures on unknown websites, resulting in the theft of wallet assets. To help everyone better understand the operational mechanism of this eyewash, we first need to explain the essence of the eth_sign signature.

eth_sign Signature Overview

In the Ethereum ecosystem, eth_sign is a widely used signing method that allows users to sign messages with their private keys. This signing mechanism is a key component of blockchain transactions, used to prove that a specific account is the initiator of the transaction. In simple terms, it's like signing on paper, indicating that you agree with or support the content of the document.

However, there is an easily overlooked issue in the use of eth_sign, known as "blind signing". When using eth_sign to sign a message, the user may not fully understand the content of the signature and cannot verify the specific meaning of the signature in reverse. This is because the input to eth_sign is raw characters rather than a human-readable format. It's like signing a contract written in a foreign language, which is why it is called "blind signing".

Common Eyewash Techniques

After understanding the concepts of eth_sign signatures and blind signatures, we can delve into the potential risks of eth_sign and how to prevent such blind signature scams.

Since eth_sign can be used to sign various types of messages, including transactions and smart contract instructions, malicious parties may induce users to sign a message that they do not fully understand, leading to asset transfer. More seriously, they may provide a seemingly harmless message for users to sign, but in reality, this could be an operation instruction. Once signed, the user's assets could be transferred to the attacker's account.

Preventive Measures

In the face of this situation, how should we protect ourselves? In response to such scams, a well-known wallet has upgraded its risk control system in the new version. When users access a third-party DApp to call eth_sign for message signing, the wallet will pop up a risk warning window, reminding users that the current transaction may have potential risks, and initiate a 15-second countdown cooldown. This design aims to give users enough time to assess the necessity and safety of the signing operation.

Security Recommendations

Security experts remind everyone:

• Be highly vigilant of all requests that require signing with eth_sign, especially those from unknown or untrusted sources. If you have any doubts about the authenticity or purpose of a request, do not sign it lightly.
• Ensure that the messages or transaction requests you handle come from trusted channels, such as official websites, official social media, or verified communication channels. Never trust links, emails, or private messages from unknown sources.

By understanding the principles and common techniques of the eth_sign eyewash, and taking appropriate preventive measures, we can better protect the security of our digital assets. It is crucial to remain vigilant and cautious when conducting any signing operations.