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Windows Chromium Process Loaded Extension via Command-Line

The following analytic detects instances where Google Chrome is started with the --load-extension command-line flag, which allows loading unpacked or non-standard extensions. This behavior can indicate attempts to…

Description

The following analytic detects instances where Google Chrome is started with the --load-extension command-line flag, which allows loading unpacked or non-standard extensions. This behavior can indicate attempts to bypass enterprise extension policies, install malicious extensions, or load potentially harmful browser components. Monitoring such activity helps identify unauthorized extension usage, potential malware persistence mechanisms, or policy violations that could compromise browser security.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
Windows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.

Known benign triggers

  • Developers or IT admins loading unpacked extensions for testing or deployment purposes.

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