Chrome to stop third-party software injections because they make it crash

[steve2470]

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/12/chrome-will-block-third-party-software-from-meddling-with-its-processes/

To boost the stability of Chrome, Google has announced that it's going to start blocking third-party software from being injected into the browser.

Third-party software such as anti-virus scanners and video driver utilities often injects libraries into running processes to do things like inspect network traffic, or add custom menu options to menus. Malicious software can also do the same to spy on users, steal passwords, and similar. Google has found that people who have such injected code are 15 percent more likely to see their browser crash. As such, it's going to start blocking such injections.

The change will start in Chrome 66, due in April 2018. If that version crashes, it will warn users that there is something injected that could be causing problems. Chrome 68, due in July 2018, will start blocking the injection; if the browser doesn't run properly, it'll allow the injected software but show a warning. Chrome 72, due in January 2019, will block code injection entirely.

Google says that with its extension and native messaging APIs, many applications that need to inject code into Chrome processes can use these alternative, safe, supported mechanisms instead. Google will also allow certain exemptions even after Chrome 72. Accessibility software (such as screen readers), Input Method Editors (used to compose complex scripts, and essential for many Asian languages), and any code that's been signed by Microsoft will continue to be allowed.

[True Dough]

1. Steve, me again!

Nothing to do with Facebook friend requests this time!

You seem to have an interest in tech-related issues (not sure of your background). I saw this thread and it reminded me of a problem I have recently been experiencing with gmail, which is a Google product and may be tangential to this topic. When I get attachments in gmail, I sometimes cannot download them with a click of the download button. They just refuse to download.

So I'm forced to save them to my "Google Drive." Last night, this happened with a PDF. I went into Google drive to access it (I use Chrome as a browser, BTW). When I tried to open it, it wanted to open in a PDF view that was not Adobe -- I can't remember the name of the alternative that Google presented.

But it made me wonder whether my inability to simply download attachments to my desktop was a glitch created by Google to compel me to use their associated software when I'm routed through Google drive.

[steve2470]

2. have you done a malware scan with TWO malware scanners lately ?

Last edited Sun Dec 3, 2017, 02:54 PM - Edit history (1)

If so, I have no idea... Egnever is the real expert here amongst others.

[teach1st]

3. Could be a few things

After the already recommended scans, check Chrome settings > Advanced and see where Chrome is set to download files.

There are other possible causes, including Windows Internet settings, if you're using Windows. What operating system are you using?

[True Dough]

5. Chrome doesn't allow me to download attachments at all lately -- except to Google Drive

Out of curiosity, I opened my gmail today in Firefox. Guess what? The downloads went to my downloads folder with the click of a button!

So there's something wonky about Chrome, and it strikes me as odd that a Mozilla browser is interacting better with Google-based email than a Google-based browser!

[Susan Calvin]

4. Good.

I like Google as much as I'm going to like any too-large corporation.