<!-- Copyright (c) 2026 defconxt. All rights reserved. -->
<!-- Licensed under AGPL-3.0 — see LICENSE file for details. -->
---
name: building-browser-exploitation-simulation
description: >-
  Simulate browser-based exploitation scenarios including XSS payload delivery,
  browser extension abuse, WebRTC leaks, and client-side exploit chains to
  validate browser isolation, content security policies, and endpoint detection
  against web-delivered attacks.
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: adversary-simulation
tags:
  - browser-exploitation
  - xss-simulation
  - browser-isolation
  - client-side-attack
  - csp-bypass
version: "1.0"
author: defconxt
license: AGPL-3.0
metadata:
  mitre-attack: ["T1189", "T1203", "T1185", "T1059.007", "T1176"]
  frameworks: ["MITRE ATT&CK", "OWASP Top 10", "CIS Controls"]
  tools: ["python3", "beef-xss", "puppeteer", "selenium"]
---

# Building Browser Exploitation Simulation

## Overview

Browser exploitation simulation tests defenses against web-delivered attacks
targeting the browser — XSS payload execution, malicious browser extension
installation, WebRTC IP leakage, and client-side exploit chains. These
assessments validate Content Security Policy effectiveness, browser isolation
controls, web proxy filtering, and endpoint detection of browser-based
compromise indicators.

## Prerequisites

| Tool / Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| `python3` | Security tooling |
| `BeEF` | Security tooling |
| `Puppeteer/Selenium` | Security tooling |
| `web hosting infrastructure` | Security tooling |
| Authorized scope covering browser-based attack simulation | Environment requirement |
| Test browsers configured to match organizational deployment | Environment requirement |
| Content Security Policy and browser isolation controls for validation | Environment requirement |

## Workflow

### Step 1: Browser Attack Surface Analysis

```bash
# Analyze target web application for client-side vulnerabilities
node scripts/agent.js analyze --url https://app.target.com --checks xss,csp,cors

# Enumerate browser extension attack surface
node scripts/agent.js extension-audit --browser chrome --profile corporate
```

### Step 2: XSS and Injection Testing

```bash
# Deploy controlled XSS payload for detection testing
node scripts/agent.js xss-test --url https://app.target.com --vector reflected --payload beacon

# Test Content Security Policy bypass techniques
node scripts/agent.js csp-bypass --url https://app.target.com --output csp-results.json
```

### Step 3: Browser Hook and Control

```bash
# Deploy browser exploitation framework hook
node scripts/agent.js browser-hook --target https://test.example.com --framework beef

# Simulate browser-based C2 communication
node scripts/agent.js browser-c2 --mode websocket --beacon-interval 30
```

### Step 4: Detection Validation and Reporting

```bash
# Correlate browser attack activity with security controls
node scripts/agent.js correlate --attack-log attacks.json --proxy-logs proxy.json

# Generate browser security assessment report
node scripts/agent.js report --scope full --output browser-report.json
```

## Detection

```yaml
title: Browser Exploitation Simulation Detection
id: db03125b-b1dc-407a-8e72-49b5850e7052
status: experimental
description: Detects suspicious activity related to building browser exploitation simulation techniques in adversary simulation context
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    CommandLine: "*building*browser*"
  condition: selection
level: high
tags:
  - attack.t1189
  - attack.t1203
  - attack.t1185
  - attack.t1059.007
  - attack.t1176
  - attack.execution
falsepositives:
  - Authorized red team exercises during approved testing windows
```


**Detection Opportunities**

| Indicator | Source | Detection Logic |
|---|---|---|
| Browser Exploitation Simulation Detection | windows/process_creation | Sigma rule (high) |
| ATT&CK Coverage | MITRE ATT&CK | T1189, T1203, T1185, T1059.007, T1176 |

## Verification

- [ ] Client-side vulnerability surface mapped for target applications
- [ ] XSS payloads detected by CSP and web application firewall
- [ ] Browser isolation prevents exploitation of hooked browsers
- [ ] WebRTC and extension-based leakage vectors tested
- [ ] Report includes browser hardening and CSP recommendations

## References

- [OWASP XSS Prevention](https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/Cross_Site_Scripting_Prevention_Cheat_Sheet.html) — XSS defense guide
- [MITRE T1185](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1185/) — Browser session hijacking
