Master Browser Extension Monitoring for Malicious Extension Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems struggle to effectively detect and prevent the installation and execution of malicious browser extensions, which can compromise computer security by exposing sensitive information due to insufficient screening and elevated permissions, making it difficult to identify and block harmful extensions.

Innovation Solution

A master browser extension managed by an enterprise monitors other extensions for potential malware by applying predefined rules, scans for suspicious behavior, and sends commands to disable or remove identified malicious extensions, with high privilege access to enforce actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If browser extensions are made openly available on app stores with minimal screening, then ease of installation and user access is improved, but security risks and malicious code deployment increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidsecurity risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The master browser extension performs preliminary actions by establishing monitoring rules and scanning mechanisms before malicious extensions can execute harmful code. The system proactively detects suspicious behaviors such as unauthorized permissions, unusual network traffic, and code injection attempts before they can compromise security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The master browser extension acts as an intermediary between the browser and other extensions. It monitors and controls the behavior of installed extensions by observing their operations, permissions, and communications, thereby preventing malicious extensions from directly accessing sensitive browser functions or user data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If extensions are granted elevated permissions by default, then functionality and customization capabilities are improved, but detection difficulty and security vulnerability increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddetection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The master browser extension implements continuous feedback mechanisms by monitoring the runtime behavior of other extensions. It tracks permission usage, code execution patterns, and network communications to identify anomalies that indicate malicious activity, enabling dynamic detection despite elevated permissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional static permission-based security mechanisms with dynamic behavioral analysis. Instead of relying solely on permission restrictions, the master extension uses machine learning and pattern recognition to detect malicious behavior based on how extensions actually operate, making detection effective even when extensions have high permissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a master browser extension is deployed to monitor other extensions, then security detection capability is improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The security monitoring system is segmented into modular components: rule definition modules, scanning modules, analysis modules, and enforcement modules. Each component has a specific function, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable while preserving high detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The master browser extension is designed as a universal platform that can monitor multiple types of extensions across different browsers and operating systems. It provides multi-functional capabilities including behavior monitoring, threat detection, analysis, and automated response, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250307402A1Detecting and Preventing Installation and Execution of Malicious Browser Extensions

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to detecting and preventing malicious browser extensions. A computing platform may send rule information to a master browser extension on a computing device including a set of rules defining reportable behavior associated with one or more other browser extensions. Subsequently, the computing platform may receive report information from the master browser extension on the computing device identifying an other browser extension of the one or more other browser extensions that exhibit the reportable behavior defined by at least one rule of the set of rules in the rule information. Based on receiving the report information, the computing platform may determine that the identified other browser extension is a malicious extension. Then, the computing platform may send one or more commands to the master browser extension on the computing device directing the master browser extension to disable or remove the identified other browser extension.