Browser Extensions Are the New Malware Dropper
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Browser extensions pose a serious and underappreciated security threat because they run inside the browser sandbox, bypassing traditional AV/EDR tools entirely. A malicious extension can silently steal session cookies (bypassing MFA), intercept all HTTP requests, inject JavaScript into any webpage, and persist across reboots automatically. Real-world cases include The Great Suspender (2M users), DataSpii (2019), ChromeLoader (2022), and the Cyberhaven supply chain breach (2024). Defenders should audit installed extensions via MDM, maintain allowlists, use tools like CRXcavator and ExtAnalysis, and treat extensions as third-party software. Key permission red flags include cookies, webRequest, scripting on all URLs, and tabs access.
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