Web browsers process untrusted web content, making flaws, malicious extensions, and stolen session data important cybersecurity concerns.
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Background for this topic.
A web browser is software that retrieves and displays websites and web applications, while executing code such as JavaScript and storing data including cookies, credentials, and browsing history. Its security boundary includes the browser interface, rendering engine, networking components, extensions, and connections to operating-system resources.
Browsers are exposed to malicious or compromised websites, phishing pages, drive-by exploitation of browser vulnerabilities, and abusive extensions. A successful exploit may escape browser isolation or access site data, while stolen cookies can enable account use without the password. Important defenses include prompt browser and extension updates, sandboxing and site isolation, phishing protection, carefully controlled permissions, and HTTPS (which protects data in transit but does not make a site trustworthy). Organizations may also manage versions, extensions, and configuration centrally, and use browser telemetry during vulnerability management or investigations.
Google fixed seven security vulnerabilities in the Chrome web browser on Tuesday, including two zero-days exploited during the Pwn2Own Vancouver 2024 hacking competition. [...]