In the past, I’ve recommended many Chrome extensions.
Not anymore, especially after finding out the potential risks of Chrome extensions (even if they are from the Chrome web store).
As for this post, here I’ll share the risks of using Chrome extensions and how you can mitigate them using a website called Crxcavator.io
Risks of Using Chrome Extensions
Data Leak
You can add your favorite Chrome Extensions to your internet browser (like Chrome or Edge) to give it more features.
But these extensions can also sometimes steal your information. This includes your personal details or business information.
For example, there was a big issue called DataSpii, where some add-ons for Chrome and Firefox took people’s private data and shared it online. These extensions were downloaded a lot, so many people and companies were at risk.
What makes it worse is that these extensions could take all kinds of information, from what websites you visit to important files you have in online services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, where many people and businesses keep their work documents.
Because of this, it’s crucial to be careful about what add-ons you put on your browser. It’s good to check them often and only use those from places you trust.
Malicious JavaScript
Malicious JavaScript refers to code that is designed with the intent to perform harmful actions on your PC or to steal sensitive information.
When browser extensions are allowed to modify and enhance the functionality of a web browser and contain such code, they become an instrument for attacking the security of the data stored within your browser.
Browser extensions typically have specific permissions that allow them to interact with web pages and the browser’s interface. If an extension is malicious or has been compromised, it can use these permissions to run unauthorized JavaScript code. This can lead to a range of security threats, including but not limited to:
- Data Theft.
- Phishing.
- Unauthorized Actions.
- Spreading Malware.
Given that JavaScript is a powerful and widely used programming language, it’s supported by all modern web browsers without additional plugins, making it easy for hackers to attack.
Moreover, cross-site scripting (XSS) is a well-known vulnerability exploited via malicious JavaScript, where attackers inject scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially compromising the security of a web session.
Unauthorized Data Transfer
Unauthorized Data Transfer refers to the scenario where browser extensions, which may seem to provide useful features, operate with hidden agendas—quietly capturing and sending your sensitive data to third-party entities.
These extensions request various permissions after installation, including access to your data on all websites, browsing history, or even the ability to modify the content of the websites you visit.
While extensions from verified developers and those available in official stores undergo some level of scrutiny, there have been instances where trusted browser extensions were caught selling user data.
Once permissions are granted, a so-called harmless extension could track your browsing habits, capturing personal information such as banking details and login credentials.
This data is then packaged and sent to servers controlled by bad actors without your consent or awareness.
For example, an extension could also be designed to specifically target and extract cookies or form data, which often contain sensitive information.
This is particularly problematic when the data involves financial transactions or access to secure services where such unauthorized transmissions result in privacy breaches, economic loss, or identity theft.
Moreover, a post by Anuj Goyal, Product Manager for Chrome Browser, highlighted the risks of malicious extensions, indicating how they can compromise data integrity and expose sensitive information to unauthorized access.
Misusing Permissions
When installing an extension, you may unknowingly grant it added access to your web activity and data. Hackers exploit these permissions to carry out malicious activities such as data theft, phishing, and injecting malicious ads or tracking scripts into web pages.
In one report, I found that over half of the analyzed browser extensions had overly permissive access, which could enable potentially malicious behaviors. Extensions with such extended permissions can operate in ways you might not expect or be aware of, posing significant risks to your privacy and security.
Fortunately, some internet browsers are trying to reduce these risks by adding better ways to control what permissions extensions can have. This means extensions can now ask for permission to only work on the tab you’re currently using, not on every website you visit.
This method helps lower the chances of bad use while letting the extensions do their jobs. However, even with these improvements, there’s still a big problem with extensions asking for too much access, which could be dangerous. So, you must still be careful about which extensions to add to your browser.
Insecure Extensions
Many browser extensions are actually created by hackers who want to take advantage of people. These bad actors use browser extensions, which are supposed to help you do more on the web and do harmful things behind the scenes.
When you install one of these unsafe extensions, it might start doing things like tracking what you do online, stealing your private details, or flooding your browser with unwanted ads and malware without you knowing.
One big issue is that browser extensions can update themselves automatically.
Sometimes, useful extensions are taken over by hackers and then updated with harmful features. These harmful updates get sent to users automatically, and most people don’t notice anything is wrong, so they keep using an extension that’s now dangerous.
Another problem is that people don’t always pay close attention to the permissions they give to these extensions.
When you’re not careful about the permissions—especially if the extension asks to read and change all your data on the websites you visit—you’re opening yourself up to more risks. Plus, people often don’t check the extensions they’ve already installed to make sure they’re still safe to use.
How to Verify Chrome Extensions Before Installing
Now that you know the risks of using Chrome extensions, if you still want to use them, here’s how to check whether the Chrome extension you’re about to install is safe.
- Search for the Extension: On the CRXcavator homepage, you’ll find a search bar. Enter the name of the Chrome extension you want to check in the search bar and hit enter.
- Review the Results: CRXcavator will provide a detailed report on the extension, including a risk score, permissions, and other security-related information.
- Analyze the Report: Review the report to understand the potential risks associated with the extension. Pay attention to the risk score, permissions, third-party library usage, and known vulnerabilities.
Now, based on your basic understanding, you need to decide if you want to install that particular browser extension or just skip it.
