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Browser extensions spy on you, even if its developers don't
(vitonsky.net)
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this post was submitted on 02 Sep 2023
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Or maybe only install extensions from trusted ~~sources~~ developers.
I think the point is that even if an extension comes from a trusted source, the developer could fairly easily push out an update that turns the extension into malware. Check the GitHub link in another comment below where the developer posts the solicitation emails he gets on a regular basis offering to monetize his extension. He isn’t selling out, but maybe not every dev is as willing as he is to forgo a potentially lucrative offer.
And there are cases where this has already happened: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/-particle-chrome-extension-sold-to-new-dev-who-immediately-turns-it-into-adware/ There are probably more recent cases too, but this was the first one I could find.
To be specific: from trusted developers. Installing them only from the official repository (is it still possible to reasonably install them any other way?) won't help if a dev sells such an addon. On the other hand I cannot imagine someone like Raymond Hill (the uBlock Origin dev) doing it, considering his track record.
Yeah, that's what I meant.