Google Chrome has introduced an enhancement to its autofill feature, allowing users to store and automatically fill in passport and driver’s license information directly within the browser. This extension of autofill functionality is designed to streamline online identity verification and form completion processes. Technically, the feature stores scanned or manually entered document data securely within the browser’s encrypted storage, accessible only after user authentication. However, this introduces a new attack surface where if an attacker gains access to the browser profile or device, they could potentially extract highly sensitive personally identifiable information (PII). Unlike traditional autofill data such as addresses or credit card numbers, passports and licenses contain government-issued identity data that can be exploited for identity theft, fraud, or social engineering attacks. Currently, there are no reported vulnerabilities or exploits targeting this feature, and the security community discussion is limited. The feature’s security depends heavily on the underlying device security, browser profile protection, and user behavior. From a compliance perspective, storing such sensitive data in a browser raises concerns under data protection regulations like GDPR, especially if the data is not adequately protected or if users are unaware of the risks. Organizations using Chrome in enterprise environments need to evaluate the risk of enabling this feature, considering endpoint security controls and user training. The lack of patch links or CVEs indicates this is a new feature rather than a vulnerability. The medium severity rating reflects the balance between convenience and the potential impact of data exposure.

For European organizations, the primary impact revolves around the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive identity documents stored in Chrome. If attackers compromise user devices or browser profiles, they could harvest passport and license data, leading to identity theft, financial fraud, or targeted social engineering campaigns. This risk is heightened in sectors handling sensitive personal data, such as finance, healthcare, and government services. Additionally, organizations may face regulatory scrutiny under GDPR if such data is exposed due to inadequate security controls or user negligence. The feature could also increase insider threat risks if employees store personal identity documents on corporate devices. The convenience of autofill might encourage users to store more sensitive data in browsers, expanding the attack surface. However, since no known exploits exist yet, the immediate threat is moderate but warrants proactive mitigation. The impact on availability and integrity is low, as the feature primarily affects confidentiality of data.

European organizations should implement strict endpoint security measures including full disk encryption, strong authentication, and regular patching to protect devices where Chrome is used. Administrators should consider deploying group policies or enterprise management tools to disable or restrict autofill of sensitive documents within Chrome profiles on corporate devices. User awareness training is critical to educate employees about the risks of storing passports and licenses in browsers and encourage alternative secure storage methods. Monitoring and alerting for unusual access to browser profiles or suspicious data exfiltration attempts can help detect potential compromises early. Organizations should review their data protection policies to explicitly address browser-stored identity documents and ensure compliance with GDPR requirements. Where possible, multi-factor authentication should be enforced for device and browser access to reduce risk. Finally, organizations should stay informed about updates or vulnerabilities related to this feature and apply security patches promptly.