It is one of those Leica things that has been blamed on sweat, salty environments, aliens etc.... but in truth is caused by poor quality control in the flushing and plating process by the manufacturer. I have seen all of the older R4 thru to R6/7 & M6 with this problem even well cared for and quite new ones.
It should never have happened of course, but it certainly should not be taken as a sign of abuse or water damage etc... It's exact cause has been a lively source of debate for many years now the most logical I have heard is that the metal plate was niot flushed correctly or enough before plating thus leaving impurities allowing corrosion to occur. Leica never really fessed up to the problem or it's cause. One day someone in the know might write Leica the real story!