The Browser Company has introduced the Arc Bug Bounty Program following the discovery of a significant security flaw, CVE-2024-45489, which could have enabled attackers to execute remote code on users’ browsers. The vulnerability stemmed from how Arc used Firebase for authentication and database management, allowing attackers to exploit the Boosts feature, which lets users create customizations to modify websites. By manipulating the Boosts’ creator ID, attackers could inject malicious JavaScript code that would run in other users’ browsers when they visited a compromised site. The flaw was disclosed by a security researcher who was awarded $2,000, and the issue was resolved by Arc just one day after the disclosure on August 26, 2024.
To enhance the security of the Arc browser, the Browser Company launched the Arc Bug Bounty Program, which rewards security researchers based on the severity of the vulnerabilities they report. The rewards vary from $500 to $20,000, with critical vulnerabilities such as full system access or exploits requiring no user interaction receiving the highest payouts. The program covers Arc for macOS and Windows, as well as Arc Search for iOS, and includes four categories based on the impact of the discovered flaws: Critical, High, Medium, and Low.
In response to the security flaw, Arc released an update (version 1.61.2) on September 26, 2024, which disabled auto-syncing for Boosts with JavaScript and added a toggle option to disable all Boost-related features. Additionally, the company is working on a new mobile device management (MDM) configuration that will allow organizations to disable Boosts entirely. An external audit of Arc’s backend systems is also underway to further assess the platform’s security. These efforts reflect the company’s commitment to improving security and preventing similar issues from arising in the future.
Arc’s popularity has continued to grow due to its innovative design, speed, and customizable features, although it has attracted the attention of threat actors seeking to exploit its capabilities. The introduction of the Arc Bug Bounty Program is a proactive measure by the Browser Company to strengthen the browser’s security framework and protect its expanding user base. With these new measures in place, the company aims to prevent malicious attacks and maintain user trust while fostering a safer browsing experience.
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