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Chrome Extension Security Checklist: What to Audit Before Shipping

Extension security isn't optional. A single vulnerability can compromise your users' data AND get your extension removed from the Chrome Web Store permanently.

High-Priority Checks

1. Least Privilege Permissions

Every permission you request is an attack surface. Ask yourself for each one:

  • Do I actually need this right now?
  • Is there a less powerful alternative?

2. Content Script Isolation

Content scripts run in the context of web pages, making them vulnerable to content injection attacks. Always validate data coming from web pages.

3. Background Script Input Validation

Anything sent from content scripts to background scripts must be validated. Background scripts have elevated privileges.

4. External Network Requests

If your extension fetches from external APIs, validate the response matches expected schema and sanitize data before use.

Security Tools Matter

Before shipping, run your extension through ExtensionBooster's free security audit tool. It catches the most common vulnerabilities that get extensions flagged or exploited.

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