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Concerns about similarities in multisig xpubs

Multisig Architecture Raises Eyebrows | Users Question Similar XPUBs

By

Rajesh Kumar

Apr 22, 2025, 09:34 PM

Edited By

Diego Silva

Quick read

A visual representation of three coldcards showing their xpubs with highlighted similar digits, illustrating the concern about randomness in a multisig setup.

A recent discussion about multisig wallet setups has sparked concern among crypto enthusiasts. A user found that the first characters of three extended public keys (xpubs) from different Coldcard wallets were alarmingly similar, raising alarms about security among those setting up multisig configurations.

An Unexpected Finding

When helping a friend with a 2 of 3 multisig wallet using Coldcards, the user noticed that the first 10 to 13 digits of all three xpubs matched. This unusual occurrence led to questions about whether the keys are indeed as secure as they should be.

"Is my setup incorrect if the xpubs don't match?"

This quote captures the userโ€™s concern about the integrity of their multisig arrangement. As it turns out, typical xpubs should be random, and identical segments could signal a risk.

Community Reactions

Responses from forums highlighted several key areas of concern:

  • Length of XPUBs: Standard xpubs usually exceed 100 characters long, which begs the question: Why are the first characters similar?

  • Understanding Format: One user mentioned, "These first characters may just establish the protocol," suggesting there might be an innocuous explanation.

  • Trust in Devices: Another comment stressed, "Would not be comfortable Is the device youโ€™re using clean too?" indicating skepticism around whether the technology is secure.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿšจ Identical xpub segments raise security questions

  • ๐Ÿงฉ "These first characters may just establish the protocol" - Community Insight

  • ๐Ÿ”’ Trust in the devices remains a hot topic among users

Interestingly, concerns around crypto security often fluctuate. When do similarities cross the line from coincidence into risk? The community's apprehension reflects a growing demand for transparency in wallet technologies.