Ethereum validator nodes use clients, which are software that allow them to connect and interact with the network at the block creation level (execution layer) and validation level (consensus layer). Recently, the domain of the geth client at the execution layer reached really dangerous levels.

On January 22, 2024, the use of the geth client reached 84% of Ethereum nodes at the execution layer. Far below, with 8%, it was followed by Nethermind, which the day before had detected a bug in its most recent update. While it is true that the flaw affected the consensus layer, it is possible that many who used Nethermind in the execution layer switched to another client out of an abundance of caution.

However, the figure is still far from ideal. As explained by the developer known as cygaar, this can lead to nodes that use geth being able to finish blocks without relying on nodes used by other clients. That is, taking for certain and valid transactions that could not be, which could result in penalties and loss of the ethers (ETH) staked for those nodes.