Threats Tagged 'browser security'

A malicious Chrome extension impersonating Google's Authenticator application has been identified as part of an ongoing campaign active since early 2026. The extension requests excessive permissions and contains dormant infrastructure suggesting a staged deployment model where malicious updates can be delivered without requiring further user approval. This extension is linked to at least six others through a shared developer front, with two already carrying fully operational malicious payloads. These extensions utilize hidden iframes to inject attacker-controlled content, deploy fraudulent paywalls for free services, and maintain bidirectional communication with command and control servers. The infrastructure maps directly to the AiFrame campaign, which has reportedly compromised over 260,000 users from 2025 to present, marking a continued evolution of this threat.

Users are being tricked into enabling unwanted browser notifications through quiz websites. These sites challenge visitors with quizzes on various topics, but their main goal is to get users to click 'Start the quiz' button. This action triggers a misleading prompt that tricks users into allowing notifications. Once enabled, these notifications can display advertisements, scams, or unwanted downloads even when the user is not on the original website. The article provides instructions on how to remove and block web push notifications across different browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge, and Safari. It also lists several domains associated with this deceptive campaign.

MediumCampaignNew ZealandIndiaSouth Africa#browser notifications#user deception#social engineering

A coordinated campaign of Chrome extensions posing as AI assistants has been uncovered, affecting over 260,000 users. These extensions, while appearing legitimate, embed remote, server-controlled interfaces inside extension-controlled surfaces, granting access to sensitive browser capabilities. The campaign consists of 30 different extensions sharing the same codebase, permissions, and backend infrastructure. Key features include remote iframe as the core UI, page content extraction, voice recognition capability, and Gmail integration. The extensions communicate with infrastructure under the tapnetic.pro domain, using subdomain segmentation for logical separation. The campaign employs extension spraying tactics to evade takedowns and quickly restore distribution. This approach breaks the browser security model, potentially allowing data harvesting and user behavior monitoring.

MediumCampaignGermanyFranceUnited Kingdom+7#chrome extensions#browser security#extension spraying

A popular Chrome VPN extension, FreeVPN.One, with over 100,000 installs has transformed into spyware. Initially legitimate, the extension began capturing screenshots of users' online activities and collecting sensitive information after an update in April 2025. The spyware operates covertly, automatically taking screenshots of every webpage visited and uploading them to an attacker-controlled domain. It also exfiltrates device and location data at installation and startup. The extension's developer provided evasive responses when confronted, claiming the feature was for background scanning of suspicious domains. This incident highlights the potential risks associated with VPN services and the importance of scrutinizing even seemingly trustworthy browser extensions.

MediumMalwareGermanyFranceUnited Kingdom+4#browser security#screenshot capture#freevpn.one

A campaign targeting the Google Chrome Web Store has deployed over 100 malicious browser extensions masquerading as legitimate tools like VPNs, AI assistants, and crypto utilities. These extensions, while offering some promised functionality, secretly connect to threat actor infrastructure to steal user information and execute remote scripts. They can modify network traffic, deliver ads, perform redirections, and act as proxies. The campaign, discovered by DomainTools researchers, involves numerous fake domains promoting these tools. The extensions request permissions that enable cookie theft, DOM-based phishing, and dynamic script injection. Risks include account hijacking, data theft, and browsing activity monitoring. Some extensions remain on the Chrome Web Store despite Google's removal efforts.

MediumCampaignGermanyFranceUnited Kingdom+7#browser security#google web store#remote script execution