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A recent campaign on the Google Chrome Web Store has been discovered distributing over 100 malicious browser extensions. These extensions impersonate legitimate tools, including VPNs, AI assistants, and cryptocurrency utilities, to steal browser cookies and execute remote scripts stealthily.
Source: Data-stealing Chrome extensions impersonate Fortinet, YouTube, VPNs
You Should Know:
How These Malicious Extensions Work
- Cookie Theft – Attackers hijack session cookies to bypass authentication.
- Remote Code Execution – Malicious scripts run in the background, enabling further exploitation.
- Phishing & Data Exfiltration – Extensions mimic trusted brands to trick users into installing them.
Detection & Removal
Linux/Mac Terminal Commands
Check installed Chrome extensions via command line:
ls -la ~/.config/google-chrome/Default/Extensions/
Force-remove suspicious extensions:
rm -rf ~/.config/google-chrome/Default/Extensions/{EXTENSION_ID}/
Windows PowerShell
List installed Chrome extensions:
Get-ChildItem "C:\Users\$env:USERNAME\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions"
Remove malicious extension:
Remove-Item -Path "C:\Users\$env:USERNAME\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions{EXTENSION_ID}" -Recurse -Force
Preventive Measures
- Audit Installed Extensions
chrome://extensions/
- Use Chrome Policies (Enterprise)
Block extensions via Group Policy or `registry`:
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Google\Chrome\ExtensionInstallBlocklist" /v "1" /d "{EXTENSION_ID}" /f
– Monitor Network Traffic
sudo tcpdump -i any -w chrome_traffic.pcap
What Undercode Say
This attack highlights the risks of third-party browser extensions. Enterprises should enforce strict extension policies, while individuals must verify extension legitimacy before installation. Regular audits and network monitoring can mitigate such threats.
Prediction
Cybercriminals will increasingly weaponize browser extensions for supply-chain attacks, leveraging AI-generated fake reviews to boost malicious uploads.
Expected Output:
- List of installed extensions.
- Removal of malicious extensions.
- Network logs for suspicious activity.
- Enforcement of security policies.
References:
Reported By: Activity 7332797915553292288 – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
