Assess risk levels of installed browser extensions

Latest Version

Version
2.0.1
Update
December 5, 2023
Size
27.93KiB
Developer
lsdsoftware.com
Category
Users
269
Rating
4 ★
Manifest Version
3
Web Store Status
Languages Support
English
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Permissions
Management
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Extension Auditor Extension

Because they're so hard to monetize, browser extensions have become major targets of exploitation by dodgy marketing firms, who pay developers to insert hidden code that collects data, injects ads, or even use the user's computing resources without authorization. Quite often, these firms would buy out the extensions and completely subvert it for their nefarious purpose.

In order for an extension to inject code on arbitrary websites, it must request this specific permission: \"Read and change all your data on the websites you visit\". Many extensions request this permission out of convenience, when it is not necessary for their operation.

The Extension Auditor addon will list all the extensions you currently have installed that had requested this permission, giving you a quick overview of your risk profile. It also links to discussion forums where knowledge can be shared about other risk factors such as developer reputation and ownership changes.

Occasionally, an extension will \"go rogue\". It is our hope that through the discussion forum, we can identify these instances and warn the users through the Auditor extension.

This extension is open-source. To contribute please visit https://github.com/ken107/extension-auditor.
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Source Manifest.json

{"update_url": "https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx", "manifest_version": 3, "name": "__MSG_extension_name__", "short_name": "__MSG_extension_short_name__", "description": "__MSG_extension_description__", "version": "2.0.1", "default_locale": "en", "key": "MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEAtF2TcPd9H4wNtJ3ybIIWEu5ygXzFwzeY39e4epvXegRBVELnEBqYZVbj2BYuiXeev/QkerVVDxQX8A3V6UbK4UaQqWPBN3Sq3H9jNd0zohm4z1QhiIeEVvyRAGX8eEwgr2wEJTatfCTu8yDv+3wIGOPD5LaUIc+RB1VggGNEPZmrLgklFrj3jzph+kLfGX3ujSenMGjMYcQkZYicHeQk/MZyxpDVbaJj7IvMNOlmSbsY3QrWm63EcCbSsCbct0mofaWb3cFkgh5HsCoBPEGXkEvQFUOYW1GCvNJQwODInyh9WC/5zlJ2H15nWdsN3EWXqcqQxZYmGcGQ4m7CucXBbQIDAQAB", "action": { "default_icon": "img/icon.png", "default_popup": "sandbox.html?url=popup.html%3Fpopup=true" }, "icons": { "128": "img/icon.png" }, "permissions": [ "management" ], "sandbox": { "pages": [ "popup.html", "audit.html" ] }}
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How to download and manually install Extension Auditor extension for Chrome

Looking for a way to install Extension Auditor extensions for Chrome, you can search for them in the Chrome Web Store, clicking the "Add to Chrome" button, and following the straightforward process.

However, you may need to install Extension Auditor extensions manually, this article outlines two simple methods to effortlessly install Extension Auditor extensions, whether they come as unpacked folders in compressed formats like .zip or as .crx files.

Method 1: Download Extension Auditor extension and manually install through Drag &Drop

If you ever need to manually install a Extension Auditor extension for Chrome, don't worry, it's a simple process. Just follow these easy steps, and you will have your extension ready to use in no time.

Step 1: Download the Extension Auditor Extension by clicking the "Download CRX" button on the website.

Look for the Extension Auditor extension you wish to install. Go to the website and download the Extension Auditor extension package, which is usually a .CRX file and comes in a zipped file. Here ".crx" file is the format for Extension Auditor extension that contains all the data.

Step 2: Extract &Arrange Files

Once the file is downloaded, extract that file into its own folder. Similarly, give that extension files a permanent home. In other words, keep it in a folder that you don't accidentally delete it because these files will be needed to make that extension work.

Step 3: Go to the Chrome Extensions Page

Open Google Chrome and in the address bar, type chrome://extensions; it will open the Google Chrome extensions page. Make sure that "My extensions" is selected in the sidebar.

Step 4: Drag and Drop the Extension

Now, go to the folder where you extracted the Extension Auditor extension and drag &drop the extension file from there anywhere onto the extension page within Google Chrome.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

Once you drag and drop the extension file, follow the steps that Google Chrome takes you through. Similarly, if the extension file is of .crx file format, you will be required to review the permissions and then add the extension.

Now, you can manage that added extension as you would like to with any other Chrome extension that you added through Chrome Webstore. Its icon will also appear in the Google Chrome Menu on the right side of the address bar once you activate it.

Method 2: Download Extension Auditor extension for Chrome and install in Developer Mode

This is another method to install Extension Auditor extension manually, but the twist is that here, you install by enabling the developer mode option provided in Google Chrome. This mode is commonly used for testing extensions or running unpublished tools.

Step 1: Download the Extension Auditor extension file

Select and download the Extension Auditor extension by clicking the 'Download CRX' button on the website.

Step 2: Extract the downloaded contents

Convert the file to a ZIP file if it is in CRX format then extract the Extension Auditor extension zip file or folder that you downloaded. Make sure you extract it using the same folder name and keep it safely in another folder, so you don't delete it by mistake. The extracted folder will be needed to keep your Extension Auditor extension running.

Step 3: Open Chrome Extension Setting Page

In the address bar of Google Chrome, type chrome://extensions and open the Chrome Extension Page.

Step 4: Enable Developer Mode

After opening the Chrome Extension page, look at the top right side, and you will find the toggle option of "Developer mode."Simply enable that developer mode option.

Step 5: Load the Unpacked Extension

Once you enable the developer mode option, you will see the menu of Load Unpacked, Pack Extensions and Update. From that, select the option "Load unpacked."

Step 6: Select the Extension Folder

Once the pop-up opens upon clicking Load unpacked, select the Extension Auditor extension directory and click on the "Select Folder "button.

Step 7: Confirm and Install

After you select an extension folder of a Google Chrome extension you're installing manually, confirm its installation for the final time and let the installation complete.

Conclusion

Here we've made a step-by-step guide on How to manually install Extension Auditor extension in 2 ways. We hope this guide proves helpful.

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User reviews

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Chris Vydas (ID: 000000a1b7cc9ce4) Voted 2 ★ - Updated 02/15/2023 Good idea in principle but in practice there is literally no discussion taking place. I would have expected to see a list maintained of currently "rogue" Chrome extensions, followed by proof and research. However i found none of that. Shame, could be a great extension but seems to be left by the wayside

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Matheu Anunciação Batista dos Santos (ID: 000000af459ab787) Voted 5 ★ - Updated 07/09/2022 Excellent extension. Through it I discovered that the "imagus" extension is harvesting my browsing history, which is not necessary for it to work. Portuguese (Brazil) Excelente extensão. Através dela, descobri que a extensão “imagus” está colhendo os meus históricos de navegação, o que não é necessário para a mesma funcionar.