The latest Microsoft update has hidden the extension for Firefox
On Tuesday, Microsoft released a regular set of patches for Windows, which includes a couple of secret features (not the first time). If you have agreed to install the “Update for Microsoft Search Enhancement Pack” (update KB982217 ), then extensions for Internet Explorer and Firefox will be added to the system, and they are installed by force and even incomprehensible what their functionality is.
The IE extension is version 3.0.126.0, and for Firefox is version 1.0, it is installed in the C: \ Program Files \ Microsoft \ Search Enhancement Pack \ Search Helper \ folder. Inside the file is SEPsearchhelperie.dll (for IE) and the firefoxextension folder. The extension cannot be uninstalled (the Uninstall button is missing), but deleting these files works fine.
Apparently, Search Helper Extension is added to Firefox only if IE has Windows Live Toolbar, MSN Toolbar or Bing Bar installed. And even if the panel is installed only under IE and even if it is deactivated, the Search Helper Extension is still installed in Firefox.
')
What is even more strange, this “Trojan horse” has the status of an “important” update (Important) instead of the logical optional status. So if you have automatic Windows update enabled, then the Firefox extension will be installed automatically. Even if you install updates manually, you may accidentally install it, because by default Windows Update installs all important updates.
The Microsoft Support page for this update KB982217 describes only various patches for closing holes in the Windows Live Toolbar, MSN Toolbar or Bing Bar. There is not a word about installing browser extensions.
The Mozilla organization requested Microsoft to comment on the functionality of the extension. Judging by the first information, this extension is not related to security. The discussion goes on the forums MozillaZine .
via Ars Technica
The IE extension is version 3.0.126.0, and for Firefox is version 1.0, it is installed in the C: \ Program Files \ Microsoft \ Search Enhancement Pack \ Search Helper \ folder. Inside the file is SEPsearchhelperie.dll (for IE) and the firefoxextension folder. The extension cannot be uninstalled (the Uninstall button is missing), but deleting these files works fine.
Apparently, Search Helper Extension is added to Firefox only if IE has Windows Live Toolbar, MSN Toolbar or Bing Bar installed. And even if the panel is installed only under IE and even if it is deactivated, the Search Helper Extension is still installed in Firefox.
')
What is even more strange, this “Trojan horse” has the status of an “important” update (Important) instead of the logical optional status. So if you have automatic Windows update enabled, then the Firefox extension will be installed automatically. Even if you install updates manually, you may accidentally install it, because by default Windows Update installs all important updates.
The Microsoft Support page for this update KB982217 describes only various patches for closing holes in the Windows Live Toolbar, MSN Toolbar or Bing Bar. There is not a word about installing browser extensions.
The Mozilla organization requested Microsoft to comment on the functionality of the extension. Judging by the first information, this extension is not related to security. The discussion goes on the forums MozillaZine .
via Ars Technica
Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/96230/
All Articles