MetaMask Exits Ethereum Validators Amid Security Incident
The exit from Ethereum's validator network does not immediately release the staked ETH. Validators must complete their exit before the network processes their withdrawals. Lido expects the final affected validators to stop staking by October 7, although their funds may remain awaiting withdrawal after that date.
The Ethereum then follows the withdrawal arrangements already attached to each validator. MetaMask said its staking business does not manage clients' withdrawal keys. For the affected Lido validators, the protocol expects the ETH to return through the exit, withdrawal, and re-entry process.
Lido estimates that the complete process could take up to approximately 45 days, largely because Ethereum has an extended queue for new validators. Once the ETH becomes available, putting it back into staking requires another deposit and a wait before validators can resume their duties.