BudgetBuddy Rogue Browser Extension

While investigating misleading websites, our research team came across the BudgetBuddy browser extension. This extension is advertised as a tool designed to assist users in managing their monthly budgets.

However, upon closer examination, we determined that BudgetBuddy is, in fact, a browser hijacker. Its primary objective is to make alterations to browser settings with the intention of promoting the fake search engine uhereugo.com.

On our test machine, BudgetBuddy modified the browser by setting uhereugo.com as the homepage, default search engine, and the URL for new tabs and windows. Consequently, whenever we opened new tabs or entered search queries into the URL bar, we were redirected to the uhereugo.com website.

It's worth noting that browser-hijacking software often employs tactics to ensure persistence, which can make its removal challenging. These tactics may include preventing access to settings related to removal or reversing changes made by the user.

At the time of our research, uhereugo.com redirected to the Bing search engine (bing.com). This redirection is common for fake search engines because they are unable to generate genuine search results. However, it's important to be aware that the destination of uhereugo.com might vary, as factors like user geolocation can influence the redirection.

Additionally, browser hijackers typically possess data-tracking capabilities, which may also apply to BudgetBuddy. The data that could be collected includes visited URLs, viewed web pages, search queries, internet cookies, usernames and passwords, personally identifiable information, and financial-related details, among others. This collected data can potentially be shared with or sold to third parties.

What is a Browser Hijacker?

A browser hijacker is a type of unwanted program that makes unauthorized changes to a web browser's settings. Its primary purpose is to take control of the browser and manipulate its behavior for the benefit of the hijacker, often to generate revenue through various means. Browser hijackers can negatively impact the user's web browsing experience and may compromise their privacy and security.

Here are some common characteristics and activities associated with browser hijackers:

• Homepage and Search Engine Changes: Browser hijackers often alter the default homepage and search engine settings of the affected browser. This forces users to visit specific websites or use certain search engines chosen by the hijacker.
• Unwanted Toolbars and Extensions: They may install unwanted browser toolbars, add-ons, or extensions without the user's consent. These can clutter the browser interface and slow down its performance.
• Redirects: Browser hijackers frequently redirect users to websites they did not intend to visit. These redirects can lead to advertising pages, fake search engines, or even malicious websites.
• Advertisement Injection: They may inject unwanted advertisements, pop-ups, and banners into web pages, often generating revenue for the hijacker through pay-per-click advertising schemes.
• Data Collection: Browser hijackers may collect data about the user's browsing habits, such as visited websites, search queries, and other online activities. This information can be used for targeted advertising or potentially sold to third parties.
• Slow Browser Performance: The presence of a browser hijacker can significantly slow down a browser's performance and overall system speed.
• Privacy Concerns: Some browser hijackers can compromise the user's privacy by tracking their online activities and collecting sensitive information.
• Difficult Removal: Removing browser hijackers can be challenging, as they often employ tactics to resist uninstallation or reverting browser settings to their defaults.