Threat Research Report: Web Browsers as an Overlooked Risk in Cybersecurity

Web browsers have evolved from passive document viewers into complex platforms essential for cloud-based work. But this transformation has also made them a prime target for cyber threats, leaving enterprises and government networks vulnerable.

MixMode’s latest Threat Research Report: Web Browsers as an Overlooked Risk in Cybersecurity uncovers how modern browsers expose organizations to hidden security risks and outlines key mitigation strategies. Download the full report to explore the latest attack methods, case studies, and defense measures.

How Web Browsers Create Cybersecurity Blind Spots

Most organizations treat browsers as trusted applications, overlooking how they expose critical data:

• HTTP Headers & TLS Handshakes – Leaking OS details, encryption methods, and domain indicators.
• Local Storage & Cache – Retaining session tokens and authentication cookies that attackers can extract.
• WebRTC & Network Discovery – Exposing internal and public IP addresses when improperly configured.

These weaknesses create an attack surface that bypasses traditional security measures like endpoint detection and response (EDR).

Recent Browser-Related Breaches

• SolarWinds (2020): Attackers used browser session data for lateral movement.
• Marriott International (2020): Stolen browser-stored authentication tokens enabled an MFA bypass.
• Colonial Pipeline (2021): Misconfigured browser settings exposed administrative credentials.
• LastPass (2023): Cached vault data was accessible via browser automation scripts.
• Magecart Attacks (2020-2024): Malicious scripts compromised e-commerce checkout pages.

Emerging Browser-Based Exploits

Between 2022 and 2024, major vulnerabilities have been exploited:

• Google Chrome – CVE-2024-0519 (V8 JavaScript engine memory corruption), CVE-2024-4058 (ANGLE graphics layer flaw)
• Mozilla Firefox – CVE-2024-9680 (Remote code execution), CVE-2023-3388 (UI spoofing for phishing)

Cybercriminals, including state-sponsored actors linked to the Funnull Network, exploit these weaknesses to bypass MFA, inject malware, and maintain persistent tracking mechanisms.

Mitigation Strategies

Organizations must treat browsers as critical security endpoints. Key strategies include:

• AI-Driven Monitoring – MixMode’s AI detects abnormal authentication patterns and correlates browser activity with network traffic.
• Patch Management – Enable automatic updates for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
• Hardened Security Settings – Disable WebRTC, enforce secure cookie attributes, and restrict browser extensions.
• Stronger Authentication – Use short-lived tokens, password managers, and secure session expiration policies.
• Reducing Persistent Data Storage – Clear cookies regularly and block auto-form filling.
• Enterprise Web Access Policies – Enforce browser isolation and monitor activity for unauthorized logins.

Why AI-Powered Detection is Critical

Traditional security tools struggle with evolving browser threats. Attackers use OAuth session hijacking, infrastructure laundering, and AI-driven reconnaissance to exploit browser vulnerabilities.

MixMode’s AI-powered security platform provides real-time visibility into browser activity, correlating authentication data with network threats to detect risks before they escalate.

Download the full Threat Research Report to learn how to secure your organization against emerging browser-based threats.

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