PALO ALTO, Calif. – In recent news, SquareX has uncovered a new attack technique that sheds light on how malicious extensions can potentially take over not just the browser, but the entire device itself. This revelation comes at a time when browser extensions have been in the spotlight due to various security threats, including OAuth attacks and data exfiltration incidents targeting Chrome extension developers.
The team of researchers at SquareX, including Dakshitaa Babu, Arpit Gupta, Sunkugari Tejeswara Reddy, and Pankaj Sharma, have challenged the common belief that extensions are limited in their capabilities by demonstrating how attackers can exploit them to gain full control over a user’s browser and device. The attack, known as browser syncjacking, works by leveraging read/write capabilities present in many browser extensions available on the Chrome Store, including popular ones like Grammarly, Calendly, and Loom. This alarming discovery highlights the potential risks associated with seemingly harmless extensions that users frequently install without much thought.
The browser syncjacking attack comprises three key stages: profile hijacking, browser takeover, and device hijacking. The attack begins with the installation of a seemingly innocent extension, which then silently adds a new profile managed by the attacker, giving them control over the victim’s browser. Subsequently, the attacker can escalate the attack further by manipulating legitimate websites to trick the victim into syncing their profile, thereby granting access to sensitive information like passwords and browsing history.
Furthermore, the attacker can achieve a complete browser takeover by replacing legitimate downloads with malicious executables, turning the victim’s Chrome browser into a managed browser under the attacker’s control. This allows the attacker to disable security features, install additional malicious extensions, and redirect users to phishing sites without raising any suspicion. To make matters worse, the attacker can also insert registry entries to enable direct interaction with local apps, granting full access to the device’s applications and confidential data.
The browser syncjacking attack exposes a critical flaw in the management of remote profiles and browsers, as the lack of identity verification makes it challenging to attribute such attacks. Moreover, the attack operates with minimal permissions and user interaction, making it difficult for traditional security tools to detect or prevent it. SquareX’s founder, Vivek Ramachandran, emphasizes the need for organizations to prioritize browser security and implement solutions that provide visibility and control at the browser level to combat sophisticated attacks like browser syncjacking effectively.
Given the severity of this attack technique, SquareX has developed an industry-first Browser Detection and Response solution to protect enterprises from advanced extension-based threats, including attempts at device hijacking. By conducting dynamic analysis on browser extension activity at runtime, the solution identifies and mitigates potential vulnerabilities, enabling organizations to safeguard against malicious attacks targeting their users.
For more details on the browser syncjacking attack and SquareX’s research findings, visit sqrx.com/research. SquareX continues to lead the way in browser security research, providing innovative solutions to detect and mitigate client-side web attacks in real-time.
About SquareX:
SquareX is a cybersecurity company dedicated to helping organizations detect, mitigate, and threat-hunt client-side web attacks targeting their users. Their Browser Detection and Response (BDR) solution offers comprehensive protection against advanced threats, ensuring secure browsing experiences for enterprise users.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact Junice Liew, Head of PR at SquareX, via email at [email protected].
In conclusion, the browser syncjacking attack represents a significant threat to organizations and individuals alike, underscoring the importance of implementing robust security measures to safeguard against evolving cyber threats in the digital landscape. SquareX’s groundbreaking research and solutions are instrumental in defending against such attacks, signaling a proactive approach to enhancing cybersecurity in an increasingly interconnected world.