StratusNebulosus Browser Hijacker
Our team came across the StratusNebulosus browser extension while examining a malicious installer obtained from an untrustworthy website. We observed that StratusNebulosus possesses a range of functions once it's added to a browser. For instance, it has the capability to activate the "Managed by your organization" feature in Chrome browsers. It is advisable for users to refrain from adding StratusNebulosus to their browsers.
StratusNebulosus is an application with extensive capabilities, allowing it to access and manipulate data on all websites. This high level of access can be worrisome for users who prioritize their data privacy since it implies that the application can potentially view and modify information on the websites they visit.
Additionally, StratusNebulosus has the ability to oversee apps, extensions, and themes, granting it control over various aspects of the browsing experience. One particularly noteworthy aspect of StratusNebulosus is its ability to enable the "Managed by your organization" setting in Google Chrome.
This setting typically signifies that an organization or entity has authority over browser configurations, potentially leading to limitations on user control and raising privacy concerns. Furthermore, during our investigation, we discovered that the installer distributing StratusNebulosus also includes additional unwanted software components, such as the Chromstera web browser.
It is vital to emphasize that applications resembling StratusNebulosus often come bundled with adware, browser hijackers, and various other potentially harmful programs. In some cases, installers distributing these applications may even conceal more severe threats, such as ransomware, Trojans, cryptocurrency miners, and similar types of malware.
What Are Browser Hijackers?
Browser hijackers are a type of malicious software or unwanted application that alters the settings of a web browser without the user's consent, redirecting their web traffic to unwanted websites. These unwanted changes typically affect the browser's homepage, default search engine, and new tab page. Browser hijackers are often used for various nefarious purposes, including advertising and data collection. Here are some key characteristics and impacts of browser hijackers:
Unauthorized Browser Changes: The primary feature of a browser hijacker is its ability to modify browser settings, such as the homepage, default search engine, and new tab page, without the user's permission.
Unwanted Redirects: Once a browser is hijacked, it may redirect users to websites they did not intend to visit. These websites are often full of advertisements, potentially malicious content, or even phishing sites.
Search Engine Manipulation: Browser hijackers may replace the user's preferred search engine with a malicious or less reputable one. This can lead to biased search results, increased exposure to advertisements, and a compromised search experience.
Increased Advertising: Browser hijackers are often used to generate revenue through advertising. They can flood the browser with unwanted ads, pop-ups, banners, and in-text links, making it challenging for users to navigate the web without disruptions.
Data Collection: Some browser hijackers collect user data, such as browsing habits, search queries, and personal information. This information is often used for targeted advertising or even sold to third-party advertisers without the user's consent.
