Earth Search for Chrome
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Risk Score
5.29
Risk Level:
Medium
Recommendation:
🟡 MEDIUM RISK — review
Top Risks
- Gmail developer 'Watch TV' with numbered alias (watchtvapp572) — classic low-accountability operator pattern.
- Search provider override sets is_default=true, hijacking all user queries to extension-controlled domain.
- Uninstall URL hijack confirmed — extension tracks removal events via 3rd-party redirect.
- Install URL hijack opens earthsearchforchrome.com on install, enabling immediate fingerprinting.
- Rating of 1.0 strongly signals user dissatisfaction consistent with unwanted search hijacking.
Evidence
- search_provider_override manifest chrome_settings_overrides sets earthsearchforchrome.com as default search engine (is_default=true).
- uninstall_url_hijack crx uninstall_url_hijack=true; target not resolved but runtime call confirmed in extension.
- install_url_hijack crx install_url_target=https://earthsearchforchrome.com/extension-success/ — opens on install.
- gmail_numbered_alias_dev store Developer email watchtvapp572@gmail.com is a numbered free-webmail alias; no verifiable business identity.
- low_rating store Rating 1.0 — consistent with user complaints about unwanted search provider replacement.
- developer_name_mismatch store Developer name 'Watch TV' is unrelated to a search extension — category/identity mismatch.
- privacy_policy_adequate api Privacy policy fetched; scope_extension=true, data_collection=true, retention=true, third_party_sharing=true.
- no_csp manifest content_security_policy is null; MV3 strict-default applies so no additional network penalty scored.
Permissions Breakdown
- chrome_settings_overrides.search_provider (is_default=true) medium Replaces default search engine with extension-controlled endpoint, redirecting all queries.
- uninstall_url_hijack medium Sets uninstall URL to 3rd-party; tracks uninstall events and drives re-acquisition.
- install_url_hijack medium Opens earthsearchforchrome.com on install; confirms install and may start tracking.
Pillar Scores
Permissions5.00
Reputation8.50
Network2.00
Webstore7.00
Maintenance3.50
Privacy0.00
Code Quality0.00
CVE Exposure0.00
Bookkeeping
Rubric v3.6
Scored at 2026-08-31 11:41
Listing SHA
6c2d31ec5292…
Force block
— not fired
Score recovered
no
Elapsed
—