Chrome Web StoreCaution required
Suspicious in code review
Our reviewer found behaviour consistent with malware, but not enough to confirm it. Treat this extension as untrusted until it has been re-reviewed.
2 high-severity findings in this extension’s code
Every finding is verified by a security analyst. Unlock the code evidence, indicators and version history.
What our analysis found
Change Default Search Engine, used by 8,000 people, is rated caution by Extension Auditor. Our code review reported 3 findings (2 high, 1 low), led by unauthorized data collection. It comes from a trusted publisher and was last updated in July 2026.
Key findings
- High
Unauthorized Data Collection
The manifest's chrome_settings_overrides.search_provider makes [domain withheld] the browser default (search_url [domain withheld]} and suggest_url [domain withheld]}), so Chrome itself sends both submitted queries and as-you-type omnibox input to the publisher's server. The declarativeNetRequest rule built at lines 33-60 rewrites only that publisher URL, and for the three engines users are most likely to choose (Google, Bing, Yahoo) the substitution keeps the request on [domain withheld] rather than forwarding to the named engine. The user's full search-term stream is therefore collected by the publisher under labels reading "Google"/"Bing"/"Yahoo", while the CWS listing declares no data collection whatsoever.
- High
Other
The bundled manifest requests an additional host permission, [domain withheld], that does not appear in the published CWS manifest summary (which lists only [domain withheld]). That host is the endpoint used by, so the shipped package carries advertising network access the listing does not reflect.
- Low
Tracking
A persistent random UUID (stored as ext_ads_client_id in localStorage) is POSTed with every banner impression and click to [domain withheld], a third-party Cloudflare Worker unrelated to the publisher's stated site or privacy-policy host. The payload itself is minimal (UUID, banner id, timestamp) and carries no browsing or personal data, but it is a persistent per-install identifier sent to an advertising backend for an extension whose CWS listing declares no data collection and never mentions advertising; the banners it serves are affiliate installs for [domain withheld] and [domain withheld] (:21-45).
Analyst notes
The manifest's chrome_settings_overrides.search_provider routes every omnibox query (and as-you-type suggest input) to the publisher's own [domain withheld], and:7-14 keeps the user on that host even when they select "Google", "Bing" or "Yahoo", while the CWS listing declares no data collection at all; the bundle also ships an ad platform (ads-platform/) pushing affiliate-install banners for [domain withheld] / [domain withheld] behind an extra host permission absent from the published manifest summary. Nothing in the code is malicious in the classic sense - no content scripts, no broad host permissions, no remote code, no obfuscation, and the ML regex hits ( JS) resolve to stock jQuery 2.1.4, Select2 4.0.3 and Bootstrap 3.3.6 plus loading bundled files under script-src 'self'; the reviewer reports of a substituted "Skyjem" engine would be server-side behaviour not visible here. The 0.95 ML score and the 100%-malware permhash cluster are not independent corroboration - both trace back to the 2026-09-13 malext-feed label, which states it is not a code review - while the publisher badges and chrome-stats contradict malice; the genuine concerns are the undisclosed search-query routing, the undisclosed ad monetisation, the recorded ownership change, and the scatter of unrelated domains (ext.aitools.band uninstall URL, [domain withheld] policy pages, a Google Doc privacy policy, [domain withheld] ads).
Change Default Search Engine Chrome extension security report
ID: cfikbclbljhmmokgdokgjhnpinnmihkp
Supported Languages
Extension Info & Metadata
Publisher Contextual Analysis
- Author
- default-search.site
- Privacy
- Privacy Policy
- MX records exist
- Yes
- Domain exists
- Yes
- Is disposable
- No
- Is role-based
- No
- Mailbox exists
- Yes
- Website
- Visit
Email Change History
Screenshots & videos
Install growth
- 2 high
- 1 low
The file, code excerpt and explanation behind each finding are part of the full report. No conclusion has been withheld — only the evidence. The verdict above already reflects everything found here.
2 high-severity findings in this extension’s code
Every finding is verified by a security analyst. Unlock the code evidence, indicators and version history.
About this extension
Easily set your browser's default search engine to Bing, Yahoo, or others with the Change Default Search Engine extension.
Read the publisher’s full description
🔥 Are you looking for an effortless way to customize your browsing experience? With the Change Default Search Engine Chrome extension, you can easily switch your browser's standard web tool to match your preferences. Whether you prefer - Google, - Bing, - Yahoo, - or any other, this tool simplifies the process, providing a seamless experience. 🤔 Why Use Us? 1️⃣ Personalization: Tailor your experience to fit your needs. 2️⃣ Efficiency: Quickly switch between platforms without hassle. 3️⃣ Variety: Choose from a wide range of platforms including Bing and Yahoo. ⭐️ Key Features • User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive design. • Quick Access: Change your default search engine in just a few clicks. • Wide Selection: Supports various platforms including Google, Bing, and Yahoo. 👨💻 Top Uses ▸ Research: Set google as default search for diverse results. ▸ Localization: Use region-specific web tools for more relevant results. ▸ Customization: Align your search engine with your personal or professional preferences. 🌐 Easily Change Default Search Engine on Chrome ✅ Are you tired of being locked into one platform? ✅ The Change Default Search Engine Chrome extension offers a simple solution. ✅ Whether you want to change from Yahoo to Google, or set Google as your default search, this tool makes it easy. 📌 Customize Your Browsing Experience ➤ Changing your default search engine in Chrome can enhance your internet experience. ➤ With Change Default Search Engine, you can switch to Bing as search engine or explore other options like Yahoo. ➤ This flexibility allows you to tailor your browsing according to your preferences and needs. 📍 Boost Productivity and Efficiency 🔹 Switch web platform to better align with habits. 🔹 Change Default Search Engine allows for quick switching, saving you time and effort. 🔹 Ideal for those who rely on specific web tools for professional or personal use. 💥 For the Tech-Savvy and the Curious 1. Change default Chrome search engine with just a few clicks. 2. If you're curious about changing default search engine in chrome, this app provides a straightforward guide. 3. It's perfect for users who love to experiment with different technologies and web tools. ⬆️ As we continue to integrate the internet more deeply into our daily lives, having control over how we interact with digital information becomes crucial. The ability to switch your web tool easily means that you can choose the tools that best fit your needs at any moment, whether for a specific project, to enhance privacy, or to simply try out a new service. 🔋 This app not only simplifies the process but also puts the power back in your hands, ensuring that your online experience is as efficient and personalized as possible. 🔎 Seamless Integration and User-Friendly 🔸 Change search engine default settings without disrupting your browsing flow. 🔸 Change Default Search Engine integrates smoothly into your Chrome browser. 🔸 Enjoy a seamless transition to your new web tool, be it Bing, or Yahoo. 🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions 💡 How to change default search engine in Chrome? 👉 To change the default search engine in Chrome, install our tool, open its settings, select your desired platform, and save the changes. 💡 How to Change Google as Default Search Engine? 👉If you prefer Google as your default search engine, follow these steps: - Open the extension settings. - Select platform from the list. - Apply the modifications. 💡How to Change from Yahoo to Google? 👉 If you want to change search engine to yahoo or don't know how to change bing to google, follow these steps: - Open the extension settings. - Select a web tool from the list. - Apply the modifications. 💡 Is it safe to use this app? 👉 Absolutely. Our extension is verified and secure, ensuring a safe browsing experience. 🆙 Continuous Improvement We regularly update our app, refining its capabilities and adding features based on user feedback. This ensures it remains at the cutting edge of technology. 🌿 Troubleshooting For any questions or suggestions, users can contact us. ⚡️ With our extension, you can take full control of your preferences. Whether you want to use Bing, Yahoo, or any other, this tool makes it simple and efficient. Enhance your browsing experience today by changing chrome default search engine with ease. ✨ Install our app now and enjoy a personalized browsing experience tailored to your needs.
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2 high-severity findings in this extension’s code
Every finding is verified by a security analyst. Unlock the code evidence, indicators and version history.
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