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<p><strong>Bitcoin Core has released version 31.1, a maintenance update that patches a security vulnerability related to IP address leakage through the privatebroadcast feature. Node operators running earlier versions are urged to upgrade promptly.</strong></p><h2 id="what-bitcoin-core-31-1-fixes">What Bitcoin Core 31.1 Fixes</h2><p>The <a href="https://bitcoincore.org/en/releases/31.1/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Bitcoin Core 31.1 release</a> addresses a flaw in the privatebroadcast mechanism that could expose a node operator's IP address. The vulnerability was formally disclosed by the Bitcoin Core project on June 6, 2026. For related coverage, see <a href="https://www.marketbit.net/bitcoin-rises-30-from-2026-low-binance-usdc-7-51b/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Bitcoin Rises 30% From 2026 Low as Binance USDC Hits $7.51B</a>.</p><p>According to the <a href="https://bitcoincore.org/en/2026/06/06/disclose-privatebroadcast-ip-leak/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">official disclosure</a>, the bug allowed an attacker to link a user's transaction broadcasts to their IP address, undermining the privacy protections that privatebroadcast was designed to provide. For related coverage, see <a href="https://www.marketbit.net/mark-cuban-bitcoin-betrayed-ethos-saylor-prop-up-price/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Mark Cuban: Bitcoin Betrayed Its Ethos and Saylor Is Propping Up the Price</a>.</p><p>The fix is included in the <a href="https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/releases/tag/v31.1" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">v31.1 release on GitHub</a>, which also contains other minor improvements and bug fixes typical of a point release. For related coverage, see <a href="https://www.marketbit.net/cz-crypto-developers-double-check-keys-github-security-incident/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CZ Warns Crypto Developers to Double-Check Keys After GitHub Security Incident</a>.</p><h2 id="why-this-matters-for-the-bitcoin-network">Why This Matters for the Bitcoin Network</h2><p>Bitcoin Core is the reference implementation that powers the majority of full nodes on the Bitcoin network. A vulnerability in this software, particularly one affecting user privacy, carries outsized significance for the ecosystem.</p><p>IP address leakage is a serious concern because it can allow third parties to associate on-chain transactions with real-world identities. For node operators who rely on privacy as a security measure, an unpatched system represents an ongoing risk.</p><p>This type of vulnerability does not affect the Bitcoin protocol itself or the integrity of the blockchain. The consensus rules, transaction finality, and network settlement remain unaffected. The issue is confined to the software layer that individual node operators run.</p><p>The disclosure follows a pattern of increased attention to Bitcoin infrastructure security. Earlier this year, <a href="https://www.marketbit.net/cz-crypto-developers-double-check-keys-github-security-incident/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CZ warned crypto developers to double-check keys</a> after a separate GitHub security incident, and <a href="https://www.marketbit.net/jameson-lopp-stealth-sybil-attack-bitcoin-nodes/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Jameson Lopp flagged a stealth Sybil attack targeting Bitcoin nodes</a>, underscoring the growing focus on node-level threats.</p><h2 id="what-node-operators-should-do-next">What Node Operators Should Do Next</h2><p>Node operators running any version of Bitcoin Core prior to 31.1 should review the release notes and upgrade as soon as practical. The update is available through the standard download channels on bitcoincore.org and the project's GitHub repository.</p><p>After upgrading, operators should verify their running version matches 31.1 by checking the output of <code>bitcoind --version</code> or the debug console in Bitcoin-Qt. Confirming the update was applied correctly is a basic but essential step.</p><p>Operators should also monitor their node logs for unusual peer behavior in the days following the upgrade. While the fix closes the IP leak vector, nodes that were running vulnerable versions may have already had their IP addresses exposed.</p><p>The recent Bitcoin testnet memory upgrade is a separate development, but together these updates reflect active maintenance of Bitcoin's core infrastructure heading into the second half of 2026.</p><p>Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.</p><a href="https://www.marketbit.net/?p=16198" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Read original article on marketbit.net</a>

New Bitcoin Core Version Fixes Critical Security Vulnerability

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