# Axelar validators apply a security patch addressing node-crash risk

> A patched Axelar Core version became available, and Axelar reported majority-validator adoption intended to prevent validator nodes from crashing.

- URL: https://riadefi.com/on-chain/2025-12-15-axelar-validator-crash-security-patch/
- Type: Upgrade or migration
- Stage: Confirmed
- Evidence: confirmed
- Materiality: material
- Event date: 2025-12-15
- Version: 1, published 2026-08-22 (first published 2026-08-22)
- Advisor-relevant: no
- Affects: Axelar (protocol)

## What happened

Axelar published core release v1.3.5 with an important CometBFT security patch and a staking-rewards fix. The release urged node operators to apply it promptly and stated that a majority of validators had already done so.

## What changed

A patched Axelar Core version became available, and Axelar reported majority-validator adoption intended to prevent validator nodes from crashing.

## What did not change

The release said no funds were at risk and did not report a consensus failure, cross-chain message failure, asset loss, or completed adoption by every validator.

## Confirmed

- Axelar Core v1.3.5 was released on 2025-12-15.
- The official release identifies an important CometBFT security patch and a staking-rewards fix.
- Axelar stated that the patch prevents node crashes and that a majority of validators had applied it.
- The release stated that no funds were at risk.

## Still open

- The release does not identify the vulnerability or affected CometBFT behavior in enough detail to independently assess exploitability.
- The proportion and identity of validators still running unpatched software were not disclosed.
- No primary evidence in the candidate establishes whether the vulnerability caused downtime before patching.

## What it means for an advisor

- Add the patch and reported adoption to Axelar's operational-resilience history.
- Review whether any approved integration depended on Axelar during a period when a material validator share remained unpatched.
- Do not interpret majority adoption or the no-funds-at-risk statement as proof that every integration or validator was unaffected.

## Sources

1. [Axelar Core v1.3.5](https://github.com/axelarnetwork/axelar-core/releases/tag/v1.3.5) · Axelar · 2025-12-15


---

Published by Ketju Research on RIADeFi (https://riadefi.com). Educational research for financial professionals; not investment, legal, tax, or compliance advice.