Security Researchers Demonstrate AI Assistant Hijack Vulnerability Across Chromium Browsers
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WASHINGTON — Additional corroborating reports have emerged regarding the AI assistant hijack vulnerability previously identified in Chromium-based browsers. These new accounts confirm the scope of the threat, detailing similar unauthorized access incidents across multiple independent environments. The fresh evidence underscores the widespread nature of the flaw affecting embedded artificial intelligence features, reinforcing earlier findings that malicious extensions can compromise user files and device sensors. While the initial demonstration highlighted the technical mechanics of the exploit, these subsequent reports provide further context on the real-world impact observed by other security analysts. The accumulation of independent accounts strengthens the understanding of how attackers are leveraging these integration weaknesses to bypass standard browser protections. No new affected products have been identified beyond the original five major Chromium-based items, but the breadth of confirmed incidents suggests a more pervasive risk than initially estimated. Security teams are urged to review extension permissions and monitor for anomalous AI behavior in light of this expanding evidence.
WASHINGTON — Security researchers at Forever Security demonstrated on Tuesday that a single malicious browser extension can hijack artificial intelligence assistants embedded in five major Chromium-based products, gaining unauthorized access to user files, device sensors, and sensitive data. The disclosure highlights critical vulnerabilities in how AI features are integrated across the web browsing ecosystem.
The demonstration, conducted in the United States, revealed that attackers could exploit a compromised extension to take control of AI agents running within browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi. Once active, the malicious code bypassed standard security boundaries, allowing it to read local documents, activate microphones and cameras, and intercept private conversations between users and their AI assistants.
The researchers stated that the exploit works because many modern browsers grant browser extensions broad permissions to interact with web pages and internal browser functions. When AI assistants are built directly into the browser interface rather than running in isolated environments, they inherit these same permissions. A single extension with malicious intent can therefore manipulate the AI assistant's output or feed it false information, effectively turning a helpful tool into a data exfiltration mechanism.
The findings have drawn immediate attention from cybersecurity officials and browser developers. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has acknowledged the severity of the flaw, noting that the widespread adoption of Chromium-based browsers makes this vulnerability a significant risk to both individual users and enterprise networks. The agency warned that bad actors could use this technique to steal intellectual property, conduct surveillance, or launch further attacks from within trusted environments.
Forever Security researchers emphasized that the issue is not limited to one specific AI model but affects the underlying architecture of how these assistants communicate with the browser. They noted that current mitigation strategies, such as user permission prompts, are often insufficient because users frequently grant broad access without understanding the implications for integrated AI features.
Browser vendors have not yet issued a unified patch or timeline for remediation. While some developers have begun reviewing their extension APIs and AI integration protocols, no official statement has confirmed whether existing extensions will be removed or if a fundamental architectural change is required to isolate AI assistants from third-party code.
As the technology sector grapples with the rapid integration of generative AI into daily computing tools, this vulnerability raises urgent questions about the safety of browser-based intelligence. Industry experts are now debating whether current security models can adequately protect users when AI assistants require deep system access to function effectively. Until a comprehensive solution is deployed, users remain exposed to the risk of their personal data and device controls being compromised through a seemingly innocuous extension installation.