Sun-Rise Browser Extension
Our research team uncovered the Sun-Rise browser hijacker during a routine examination of unreliable websites. This software modifies browser settings to endorse the sun-rise.club illegitimate search engine through redirects.
Browser hijackers set promoted websites as default search engines, homepages, and new tab/window URLs. In the case of Sun-Rise, these settings are altered to sun-rise.club.
When a new browser tab is loaded or a search string is put into the URL bar, it leads to a redirection to the sun-rise.club site.
It's important to note that browser-hijacking software often employs persistence-ensuring mechanisms, such as limiting access to removal-related settings or reversing user-made changes, to hinder browser recovery.
Fake search engines typically lack the capability to provide search results, redirecting instead to legitimate internet search platforms. Sun-rise.club directs users to the Bing search engine (bing.com). It's worth considering that the destination page may vary, as redirects can be influenced by factors like user geolocation.
Browser hijackers typically gather private information, and Sun-Rise might possess data-tracking capabilities as well. Targeted information may include visited URLs, viewed webpages, search queries, internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, financial data, and more. The collected information can then be sold to third parties or exploited for profit.
What Are Rogue Browser Extensions?
Rogue browser extensions are malicious or unauthorized browser add-ons or plugins that are designed to deceive users, exploit vulnerabilities, or engage in malicious activities. These extensions operate within web browsers and can adversely affect the user's browsing experience, compromise privacy, and even lead to security threats. Here are key characteristics and risks associated with rogue browser extensions:
Deceptive Appearance:
Rogue extensions often have an appearance that mimics legitimate and useful browser extensions. They may claim to offer functionality such as enhanced browsing features, security tools, or ad-blockers to lure users into installing them.
Unauthorized Access:
Once installed, rogue extensions may gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, including browsing history, login credentials, and personal data. This information can be exploited for malicious purposes or sold on the dark web.
Browser Hijacking:
Rogue extensions may alter browser settings, such as the default search engine, homepage, or new tab pages, redirecting users to unwanted or malicious websites. This behavior is characteristic of browser hijacking.
Adware and Unwanted Ads:
Some rogue extensions are designed to display intrusive and unwanted advertisements. Users may encounter pop-ups, banners, or inline ads that disrupt the normal browsing experience and may lead to potentially harmful websites.
Malicious Activities:
Rogue extensions can engage in various malicious activities, including injecting malicious code into webpages, redirecting users to phishing sites, or even participating in click fraud schemes.
Resource Consumption:
Malicious extensions might consume system resources, leading to slower browser performance. Users may experience increased page load times, freezing, or crashing of the browser.
