Homerun Extension
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Ranking: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Ranking: | 6,004 |
| Threat Level: | 50 % (Medium) |
| Infected Computers: | 83 |
| First Seen: | April 26, 2023 |
| Last Seen: | September 20, 2023 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The Homerun Extension is a browser extension that tries to attract sports fans by claiming to be a helpful tool that provides convenient access to the latest sports news and other content. However, when cybersecurity researchers inspected it more thoroughly, they discovered that the Homerun Extension possesses browser hijacker capabilities. It functions by altering the settings of the user's browser to promote the fake search engine search.homerun.fun through redirects.
The Homerun Extension could Change Essential Browser Settings
After installing the Homerun Extension, it was observed making unauthorized modifications to the browser's default settings, including the search engine, homepage, and new tab page. These changes caused new tabs and any Web searches started through the URL bar of the browser to be redirected to the search.homerun.fun website.
Fake search engines like search.homerun.fun are not usually able to generate legitimate search results. Instead, they redirect users to a legitimate search engine. In this case, search.homerun.fun causes redirects and shows results taken from Bing, although the destination site might vary based on factors like user location.
It's worth noting that browser-hijacking software like Homerun Extension often uses techniques to ensure persistence on the user's device. This means that even after users try to get rid of the intrusive PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program), it could restore itself and continue to impact their browsing experience.
In addition to hijacking the browser, the Homerun Extension may have data-tracking capabilities. Browser hijackers typically collect a range of data, including URLs visited, web pages viewed, search queries typed, internet cookies, personally identifiable information, account login credentials, and financial data. This information could potentially be sold to third parties or otherwise exploited for profit.
Browser Hijackers and PUPs are Rarely Installed Intentionally
PUPs and browser hijackers use a variety of tactics to get installed on users' devices without their notice. One common tactic is bundling, where the unwanted program is included as a part of a legitimate software download, often without the user's knowledge or consent.
Another tactic is deceptive advertising or social engineerings, such as pop-ups or messages that induce users into pressing a button or link that downloads the unwanted program.
PUPs and browser hijackers may also use misleading installation processes that make it difficult for users to opt out of the installation, or hide installation options in obscure locations or small print.
Overall, these tactics are designed to deceive users and get them to inadvertently install unwanted software, often leading to a degraded browsing experience or security risks on their devices.
