extensionsgap

Extensionsgap refers to a type of cybersecurity vulnerability that can occur in web browsers. It specifically relates to the management and updating of browser extensions. When a browser extension has been deprecated, removed from an extension store, or is no longer actively maintained by its developer, but remains installed on a user's browser, it can create a security gap. This gap arises because the outdated extension may contain known vulnerabilities that are unpatched. Attackers can exploit these unpatched vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to user data, inject malicious code, or perform other harmful actions. The term "gap" highlights the deficiency in security coverage that arises from the presence of unsupported extensions. Browser vendors often attempt to mitigate this by automatically disabling or removing extensions that are deemed insecure or no longer available through official channels. However, users may sometimes manually override these measures or the detection mechanisms may not be instantaneous, leaving a window of vulnerability. Maintaining up-to-date browser extensions and regularly reviewing installed extensions for necessity and ongoing support is a key practice to avoid extensionsgap vulnerabilities.