SquareX Discloses Architectural Limitations Of Browser DevTools In Debugging Malicious Extensions

Palo Alto, California, July 29th, 2025, CyberNewsWire

Despite the expanding use of browser extensions, the majority of enterprises and individuals still rely on labels such as “Verified” and “Chrome Featured” provided by extension stores as a security indicator.

The recent Geco Colorpick case exemplifies how these certifications provide nothing more than a false sense of security – Koi Research disclosed 18 malicious extensions that distributed spyware to 2.3M users, with most bearing the well-trusted “Verified” status.

SquareX researchers disclosed the technological reason behind this vulnerability, highlighting an architectural flaw in Browser DevTools that prevents browser vendors and enterprises from performing the thorough security analysis many enterprises expect.

“Aside from the fact that thousands of extension updates and submissions are being made daily, it is simply impossible for browser vendors to monitor and assess an extension’s security posture at runtime,” says Nishant Sharma, Head of Security Research at SquareX, “This ...