Colour Cure Browser Extension
While going over suspicious websites, our research team came across the Colour Cure browser extension. This software, identified as a browser hijacker, modifies browser settings to promote the illegitimate search engine colourcure.xyz through redirects. Browser hijackers, like Colour Cure, alter homepages, default search engines, and the URLs for new tabs/windows, redirecting them to fake search engine addresses.
With Colour Cure installed, web searches initiated via the URL bar and new browser tabs/windows lead to redirects to the colourcure.xyz page. It's important to note that browser hijackers often employ persistent techniques to complicate their removal, making it challenging for users to restore their browsers to their original state.
Typically, fake search engines lack the capability to generate search results and redirect users to genuine Internet search sites. This holds true for colourcure.xyz, which directs users to the Bing search engine (bing.com). However, it's worth mentioning that the destination of this webpage could vary based on factors such as user geolocation.
Additionally, Colour Cure likely incorporates data-tracking functionalities, a common feature in browser-hijacking software. The information gathered may include visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, internet cookies, login credentials, personally identifiable details, financial data, and more. This collected data can be sold to third parties or exploited for profit in various ways.
What Are Rogue Browser Extensions?
Rogue browser extensions, also known as malicious or unauthorized browser extensions, are software add-ons or plugins designed to run within web browsers but exhibit harmful or undesirable behavior. These extensions often pose security risks to users by engaging in activities that compromise privacy, security, or the normal functioning of the browser. Here are key characteristics and behaviors associated with rogue browser extensions:
Unauthorized Installation:
Rogue extensions may be installed on a user's browser without their knowledge or explicit consent. This can occur through deceptive tactics, bundled software installations, or exploiting vulnerabilities in the browser.
Browser Hijacking:
Browser extensions that hijack the browser often change homepage settings, default search engines, or new tab URLs without the user's permission. This can lead to users being redirected to malicious or unwanted websites.
Unwanted Advertisements:
Rogue extensions may inject unwanted advertisements, pop-ups, or banners into web pages, disrupting the user's browsing experience. These ads are often used to generate revenue for the attackers.
Data Tracking and Privacy Invasion:
Some rogue extensions have the capability to track users' browsing activities, including visited websites, search queries, and personal information. This data can be misused for targeted advertising, sold to third parties, or used for more malicious purposes.
Phishing and Scams:
Rogue extensions may engage in phishing activities by redirecting users to fake websites that mimic legitimate ones, attempting to trick users into providing sensitive information such as login credentials.
