Ripple Sheds Unused Code, Shrinks XRP Ledger Attack Surface Ahead of Lending Push

Ripple is taking steps to reduce the attack surface of its XRP Ledger (XRPL), which will come in handy as it prepares to expand native lending capabilities. The company has recommended removing more than 10,000 lines of unused code from the XRPL EVM Sidechain bridge after deciding to use Axelar instead for this specific task.

The unused code is part of XChainBridge (XLS-38), which was designed to enable assets to move between XRPL and connected sidechains. Ripple chose Axelar over XLS-38 due to security, user experience, decentralization, and operational demands considerations.

The decision to remove the unused code comes as crypto platforms face increasing pressure to strengthen their defenses. According to CertiK, more than $1.31 billion was lost across 344 security incidents in the first half of 2026, with code vulnerabilities being the most common attack category.