This is IMHO of course..
First of all MTGox was hacked down around 3 days ago or so -
http://forum.bitcoin.org/index.php?topic=19649.0There are 2 variants:
1. Hackers got access to data in database ONLY through SQL injection - it's "oh my God" scenario.
2. WHOLE box was compromised some how (through unpatched software) - it's "Holy shit" scenario..
Personally I see "oh my God" scenario took place...
They got access to WHOLE db - not only login/passwords.
They found account with MOST BTC on it..
It took them couple of days to crack the password (these guys know what hash means
)
They calculated how far they can push price down and put their bids there...
Then they got logged in with it and pressed "SELL ALL IN" button...
Now they have cheap bitcoins and wait for noise to settle down and cash out.
Ramifications for "oh my God"..
1. Hackers continue to break passwords to top 10 accounts...
2. SQL injection hole is still there and it can happen again EVEN after forced password change.
No "Holy shit" scenario took place..
If it was the case, they would simply send away all coins from account. But I don't think MTGOX will try to hide this.. I mean he is not that stupid to try it...