• About Us
  • Careers
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Friday, June 27, 2025
DeFi Planet
  • News
    • People
    • Business
    • Crime
    • Regulation
    • Crypto
    • CBDC
  • Markets
    • Bitcoin
    • Ethereum
    • Stablecoins
    • Altcoins
    • Crypto ETFs
    • Memecoins
  • Policy
  • Articles
    • Press Releases
    • Opinion
    • Explainers
    • Guest Post
    • Sponsored
  • Directory
    • Companies
    • People
    • Products
    • Wallets
  • Multimedia
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
  • Learn
    • DeFi Basics
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Blockchain Fundamentals
  • Research
    • Case Studies
  • Explore
    • DeFi
    • Crypto Gaming
    • NFT
    • DAO
    • Metaverses
  • Jobs
  • Markets Pro
    • DeFi Planet Pro
    • Spend Crypto
    • Swap Crypto
    • Coin Prices
    • Crypto Exchanges
    • Crypto Analyzer
  • News
    • People
    • Business
    • Crime
    • Regulation
    • Crypto
    • CBDC
  • Markets
    • Bitcoin
    • Ethereum
    • Stablecoins
    • Altcoins
    • Crypto ETFs
    • Memecoins
  • Policy
  • Articles
    • Press Releases
    • Opinion
    • Explainers
    • Guest Post
    • Sponsored
  • Directory
    • Companies
    • People
    • Products
    • Wallets
  • Multimedia
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
  • Learn
    • DeFi Basics
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Blockchain Fundamentals
  • Research
    • Case Studies
  • Explore
    • DeFi
    • Crypto Gaming
    • NFT
    • DAO
    • Metaverses
  • Jobs
  • Markets Pro
    • DeFi Planet Pro
    • Spend Crypto
    • Swap Crypto
    • Coin Prices
    • Crypto Exchanges
    • Crypto Analyzer
No Result
View All Result
DeFi Planet
No Result
View All Result

Understanding Miner Extractable Value in Crypto

8 September 2023
in Articles, Blockchain Fundamentals, Explainers
Reading Time: 6 mins read
106 7
Home Articles

Contents

Toggle
  • What Is Miner Extractable Value (MEV)?
  • How Does Miner Extractable Value (MEV) Actually Work?
    • Video showing How MEV works
    • Front-Running 
    • Back-Running 
    • Sandwiching
  • The Impact of MEV on the Crypto Industry

Last updated on April 22nd, 2024 at 03:55 pm

The DeFi ecosystem has long promised users enhanced security and the freedom to participate in various financial activities without the intervention of external authorities, such as banks. However, recent concerns about vulnerabilities within DeFi protocols threaten to undermine these promises.

One particular vulnerability that has garnered significant attention is Miner Extractable Value (MEV). MEV has sparked discussions among developers and traders primarily because it exploits an inherent capability of DeFi protocols.

This vulnerability poses significant risks to the growing adoption of DeFi because it essentially erodes trust when unsuspecting users discover they’ve been taken advantage of. 

This article comprehensively explores the concept of MEV, how it works, and the implications it holds for the crypto community if left unaddressed.

What Is Miner Extractable Value (MEV)?

MEV, short for “Miner Extractable Value,” refers to the additional value miners can access from transaction fees and block rewards in a blockchain network or DeFi protocol.

In a blockchain network employing a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism, when you initiate a transaction, your transaction details are temporarily stored in a “mempool.” These transactions remain in the mempool until a miner includes them in a block. 

Subsequently, nodes validate these blocks before they are added to the blockchain. Node operators and block producers are rewarded with a fraction of the transaction fees for performing these roles.

However, certain miners have discovered a method to extract more profit than they would typically receive. They accomplish this by manipulating the order of transactions within a block, either by adding or removing transactions while they are in the mempool. This additional value is what we refer to as MEV.

Despite some networks transitioning from PoW to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) systems, where validators assume the roles miners held in PoW, mempools continue to exist. Consequently, the manipulation of the mempool to extract “MEV” remains possible. This is why the term MEV has evolved to take on a new name: “Maximal Extractable Value.”

How Does Miner Extractable Value (MEV) Actually Work?

Video showing How MEV works

Understanding MEV requires a basic grasp of the roles played by block producers, whether they’re miners or validators.These players are critical in keeping blockchain networks secure and operational. Their responsibilities include confirming transactions and appending them to the network as linked data “blocks.”

Block producers are responsible for adding new data into the blockchain. They collect user transaction data and organize it into blocks that become part of the blockchain. The key decision of which transactions to include in their blocks is up to these block producers.

For block producers to benefit from MEV, they choose transactions based on their potential profitability. They prioritize certain transactions and arrange them strategically to maximize profits. This can result in extra earnings through opportunities like arbitrage or on-chain liquidation.

During peak periods, when the mempool is flooded with transactions, users are willing to pay higher fees to get their transactions processed faster. Block producers looking to make the most of MEV tend to select transactions with high fees, as this is the primary way to increase their earnings. Consequently, transactions with lower fees may face delays in being included in a block.

In simple terms, this is how MEV works. Miners and validators use various strategies to take advantage of MEV while performing their roles on the blockchain network. Some of these strategies include front-running, back-running, and sandwiching.

Front-Running 

Front-running is a strategy where a miner places their own transaction before another one in a block to make more money. Miners do this when they expect significant transactions on a decentralized exchange (DEX) and want to benefit from potential price changes. This tactic is known as Miner Extractable Value (MEV), and miners use it to avoid losing money when mining cryptocurrencies. Recent research shows that front-runners can make a lot of profit through MEV and often compete to maximize their gains.

Back-Running 

Back-running involves miners searching the mempool for transactions, like token swaps, that they can profit from. Once they find a profitable pair, they quickly buy tokens from that pair before others. This way, they get priority over others when the transactions are validated. Then, they hold onto these tokens until their value increases, allowing them to sell for a profit.

Sandwiching

Sandwiching is a combination of both front-running and back-running techniques. Miners who use this method spot transactions before they happen and cleverly “sandwich” their own buy-and-sell transactions around them. This increases the gas fee for the transaction, instantly earning them a profit without extra costs. 

Source: substackcdn.com

Malicious actors use sandwich attacks on unsuspecting participants in DEXes, causing price slippages from which they profit.

The Impact of MEV on the Crypto Industry

MEV comes with its complexities and downsides. While there are arguable benefits to it, there are also highly detrimental effects on the crypto industry as a whole.

The idea of influencing transaction order for profit has given rise to a multitude of MEV bots, which continuously scan the blockchain in search of opportunities to exploit. Their operational scope spans from arbitraging price differences across decentralized exchanges (DEXs) to efficiently resolving unfavourable loan positions. 

In some extraordinary cases, they even play a role in mitigating security breaches.

However, the intense competition among these MEV bots, as each strives to outdo the other in securing lucrative opportunities, can lead to network congestion and exorbitant transaction fees.

While those controlling the bots may find this financially rewarding, traders and other participants often bear the brunt of their actions. These bots frequently undermine the principles of a fair and equitable trading environment, directly impacting the user experience by diminishing the value of trades.

In April 2023, a white hat hacker discovered a vulnerability in SushiSwap’s RouterProcessor2 contract and successfully accessed 100 Ethereum (ETH) from a user’s funds. Acting in good faith, the hacker expressed a willingness to return the funds upon contact. Unfortunately, swift actions by MEV bots undermined efforts to secure the platform. 

These bots duplicated the attack by deploying contracts before the vulnerability could be fully patched, resulting in a loss of approximately $3.3 million (1800 ETH). Despite extensive recovery efforts, not all the lost funds were returned to the affected user.

The harsh reality is that as long as transactions are prioritized within blocks based on transaction fees, there will always be cases of MEV exploitation.

As we have witnessed, this dynamic has both positive and negative implications for the blockchain ecosystem as a whole. Therefore, addressing these concerns thoughtfully and proactively is crucial to ensure that the promise of DeFi remains intact and that users can continue to enjoy its numerous benefits.

It is worth noting that researchers are actively developing solutions to reduce or entirely prevent MEV exploitation by creating protocols for reasonable transaction ordering. Some of these solutions include Offchain Labs’ Abritrum, ChainLink’s Fair Sequencing Service, and Automata Network’s Conveyor.

Implementing these solutions will help maintain the integrity and benefits of DeFi, enabling users to enjoy its potential without the risk of MEV exploitation. Ultimately, more users can be encouraged to fully embrace DeFi without concerns about unfair advantages or manipulations.

 

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein should be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading or investing in cryptocurrencies carries a considerable risk of financial loss. Always conduct due diligence. 

 

If you would like to read more articles (news reports, market analyses) like this, visit DeFi Planet and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and CoinMarketCap Community.

“Take control of your crypto portfolio with MARKETS PRO, DeFi Planet’s suite of analytics tools.”

Don't miss out!

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Receive top education news, lesson ideas, teaching tips and more!
Invalid email address
Give it a try. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Thanks for subscribing!
Share66Tweet41Share11
Previous Post

UK’s FCA Extends Grace Period for Crypto Firms to Implement New Regulations

Next Post

Thodex CEO Sentenced to 11,196 Years in Prison for Fraud and Other Criminal Charges

Blessing Lisafi

Blessing Lisafi

Related Posts

What Are Decentralized Prediction Markets and How Do They Work?
DeFi Basics

What Are Decentralized Prediction Markets and How Do They Work?

26 June 2025
Smart Contracts on Ethereum, Solana, vs. Other Blockchains
Blockchain Fundamentals

Smart Contracts on Ethereum, Solana, vs. Other Blockchains

26 June 2025
What Are DeFi Options Vaults, and How Do They Work?
DeFi Basics

What Are DeFi Options Vaults, and How Do They Work?

26 June 2025
Most DAOs Are Doomed to Fail—Here’s Why
DAO

Most DAOs Are Doomed to Fail—Here’s Why

26 June 2025

Featured Posts

Has Web3 Failed to Protect the Core Innovations of Crypto and DeFi?

Has Web3 Failed to Protect the Core Innovations of Crypto and DeFi?

byOlajumoke Oyaleke
15 June 2025
0

Are Green Cryptocurrencies the Future of Blockchain Sustainability?

Are Green Cryptocurrencies the Future of Blockchain Sustainability?

byOlayinka Sodiq
12 June 2025
0

Web3 Gaming’s Scaling Crisis: Why Innovation Alone Isn’t Enough

Web3 Gaming’s Scaling Crisis: Why Innovation Alone Isn’t Enough

byOlayinka Sodiq
10 June 2025
0

What Is Price Slippage in Crypto & How Can You Avoid It

What Is Price Slippage in Crypto & How Can You Avoid It

byOlayinka Sodiq
4 June 2025
0

The Rise of Decentralized Identity Solutions in DeFi

The Rise of Decentralized Identity Solutions in DeFi

byOlayinka Sodiq
20 October 2024
0

Read More

Chain of Thoughts

Are Stablecoins Bank Deposits?

Are Stablecoins Bank Deposits?

byOlu Omoyele
31 May 2025
0

...

DAOs and the Coordination of Human Endeavour

DAOs and The Coordination of Human Endeavour

byOlu Omoyele
27 April 2025
0

...

Should DeFi Be Regulated?

Should DeFi Be Regulated?

byOlu Omoyele
27 March 2025
0

...

Is Tokenization All That It’s Cracked Up To Be?

Is Tokenization All That It’s Cracked Up To Be?

byOlu Omoyele
26 February 2025
0

...

Markets Update

What South Korea’s Crypto Strategy Signals for the Next Bull Run?

11 hours ago

Why Crypto Projects Are Choosing MiCA Over the US, Even With Regulatory Support on the Rise

12 hours ago

Tokenized Treasuries vs. Stablecoins: Where Will Institutional Capital Flow?

12 hours ago

Ethereum Transaction Fees Plunge to 5-Year Low Amid Network Lull: What This Means for the Crypto Market

15 hours ago

First XRP ETF Approved on Toronto Stock Exchange— Is This a Green Light for XRP ETF Approvals in More Countries?

3 days ago

Your Weekend Crypto Roundup | June 2025 (Week 3)

6 days ago
Read More

Events

  • No events
  • Spotlight

    All about Ethereum
    All about Algorand
    All about Bitcoin
    All about Gora

    Press Releases

    Weed® Announces Partnership with Khalifa Kush; Launches Global Commercialization

    bychainwire
    26 June 2025
    0

    GBM Launches Auction Festival with The Sandbox, Aavegotchi, Unstoppable Domains, and More

    bychainwire
    26 June 2025
    0

    Codebase Technologies and Fuze Partner to Expand Digital Asset Access for Banks and Financial Institutions

    Codebase Technologies and Fuze Partner to Expand Digital Asset Access for Banks and Financial Institutions

    byGuest Author
    26 June 2025
    0

    French “Spiderman” Scales Skyscraper to Launch World’s First Action Token

    bychainwire
    26 June 2025
    0

    Deribit and SignalPlus Launch “The Summer Chase” Trading Competition 2025 Featuring a $300,000+ USDC Prize Pool

    bychainwire
    26 June 2025
    0

    Read More

    ADVERTISING

    ABOUT

    TEAM

    CAREERS

    CONTACT

    TERMS & CONDITIONS

    PRIVACY POLICY

    © Copyright 2025 DeFi Planet

    Welcome Back!

    Login to your account below

    Forgotten Password?

    Retrieve your password

    Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

    Log In
    Please enter and activate your license key for Cryptocurrency Widgets PRO plugin for unrestricted and full access of all premium features.

    Add New Playlist

    No Result
    View All Result
    • News
      • People
      • Business
      • Crime
      • Regulation
      • Crypto
      • CBDC
    • Markets
      • Bitcoin
      • Ethereum
      • Stablecoins
      • Altcoins
      • Crypto ETFs
      • Memecoins
    • Policy
    • Articles
      • Press Releases
      • Opinion
      • Explainers
      • Guest Post
      • Sponsored
    • Directory
      • Companies
      • People
      • Products
      • Wallets
    • Multimedia
      • Videos
      • Podcasts
    • Learn
      • DeFi Basics
      • Tutorials
      • Reviews
      • Blockchain Fundamentals
    • Research
      • Case Studies
    • Explore
      • DeFi
      • Crypto Gaming
      • NFT
      • DAO
      • Metaverses
    • Jobs
    • Markets Pro
      • DeFi Planet Pro
      • Spend Crypto
      • Swap Crypto
      • Coin Prices
      • Crypto Exchanges
      • Crypto Analyzer

    © Copyright 2024 DeFi Planet   |   Terms & Conditions   |   Privacy Policy

    -
    00:00
    00:00

    Queue

    Update Required Flash plugin
    -
    00:00
    00:00