Star Field Browser Extension

Infosec researchers discovered the Star Field, a rogue browser extension, during their examination of deceptive websites. This particular extension lures users with the promise of displaying star-themed browser wallpapers.

However, after installation, the Star Field quickly reveals that its primary function is to operate as a browser hijacker. It carries out unauthorized modifications to browser settings, deliberately redirecting users to the search.star-field.net address, a fraudulent and fake search engine.

Browser Hijackers Like the Star Field may Collect Sensitive Data

Browser-hijackers s designed to alter the default settings of internet browsers, such as the homepage, default search engine, and new tabs, redirecting users to specific websites without their consent.

The Star Field, in particular, carries out these modifications by setting the search.star-field.net site as the default destination. Consequently, whenever users open new browser tabs or windows and enter search queries into the URL bar, they are redirected to the promoted address. Notably, browser hijackers often employ persistence-ensuring techniques to hinder users from easily recovering their browser settings.

Illegitimate search engines, like search.star-field.net, typically lack the capability to provide genuine search results. As a result, they tend to redirect users to legitimate Internet search websites. During the research, it was observed that search.star-field.net directs users to the Bing search engine (bing.com). However, it is important to mention that the redirections users experience may vary based on factors like the user's geolocation.

Beyond its browser-hijacking functions, the Star Field likely possesses data-tracking capabilities. This means it could be able to collect various types of user information, such as visited URLs, viewed pages, search queries, bookmarks, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and more. The collected data can then be shared with or sold to third parties, potentially leading to privacy and security concerns for users.

Users Rarely Install Browser Hijackers and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) Willingly

PUPs and browser hijackers employ various deceptive tactics to get installed on users' devices without their knowledge or consent. These tactics often take advantage of users' lack of awareness, misleading them into unknowingly installing these unreliable programs on their computers or mobile devices. Here are some common tactics exploited by PUPs and browser hijackers:

• Bundling with Freeware: One of the most common methods is bundling PUPs and browser hijackers with legitimate free software. When users download and install freeware, they may not realize that additional unwanted programs are also being installed alongside it. These PUPs often come as optional or recommended installations, which users may overlook during the installation process.
•  Misleading Ads and Pop-ups: PUPs and browser hijackers may use misleading advertisements and pop-ups to trick users into clicking on them. These ads may claim that the user's device is infected with malware and prompt them to click on a link to "clean" or "optimize" their system. However, clicking on such ads can lead to the unintentional download and installation of unwanted software.
•  Fake Software Updates: PUPs and browser hijackers may present themselves as legitimate software updates. For example, users may encounter pop-ups claiming that their web browser or other software needs an update. However, clicking on these fake updates may actually install PUPs or browser hijackers instead of legitimate updates.
•  Phishing Emails and Malicious Links: Cybercriminals may use phishing emails and malicious links to distribute PUPs and browser hijackers. These emails may pretend to be from legitimate sources and may entice users to click on links that lead to the unintended installation of unwanted software.
•  Social Engineering Techniques: PUPs and browser hijackers may use social engineering techniques to manipulate users into taking specific actions. For example, they may create fake error messages or warnings that prompt users to call a fake tech support number, which leads to further instructions for installing unwanted software.
•  Malvertising: Malicious advertising, or malvertising, is another tactic used to distribute PUPs and browser hijackers. Cybercriminals may place malicious ads on legitimate websites that, when clicked on, redirect users to websites that prompt the installation of unwanted software.

To protect against PUPs and browser hijackers, users should be cautious when downloading and installing software, especially from unfamiliar sources. It's essential to read through the installation prompts carefully and opt out of any additional software installations that are not necessary. Keeping anti-malware software up-to-date can also help detect and prevent the installation of unwanted programs. Additionally, practicing safe browsing habits and being skeptical of suspicious ads and pop-ups can further reduce the risk of inadvertently installing unwanted software.