Google Chrome Ends Support for Manifest V2, Disabling uBlock Origin Bypasses
Severity: Low (Score: 36.0)
Sources: News.Ycombinator, Feeds.4Sysops
Published: · Updated:
Keywords: chrome, manifest, google, ublock, origin, bypasses, entering
Summary
Google Chrome has officially removed support for Manifest V2 (MV2) extensions, including popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin. This change follows the transition to Manifest V3 (MV3), which aims to enhance security and performance. The removal of the kExtensionManifestV2Disabled flag means that users can no longer bypass restrictions on MV2 extensions. This affects millions of users who rely on these extensions for ad blocking and privacy. Other Chromium-based browsers, such as Microsoft Edge and Opera, are expected to follow suit, potentially disabling MV2 support as well. The developer of uBlock Origin has acknowledged the impact of this change. The transition is part of a broader effort to address technical complexities and security risks associated with MV2. Users are advised to prepare for the eventual loss of these extensions. Key Points: • Google Chrome has removed support for Manifest V2 extensions, affecting ad blockers. • The removal of MV2 support is part of a transition to the more secure Manifest V3 standard. • Other browsers like Edge and Opera may soon disable MV2 extensions as well.
Detailed Analysis
**Impact** Users of Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Opera are affected by the removal of Manifest V2 (MV2) support, which disables extensions relying on this legacy framework, including popular ad-blockers like uBlock Origin. This change impacts millions of users globally who depend on these extensions for content filtering and privacy protection. Businesses relying on MV2-based extensions for operational security or compliance may experience disruptions. Brave and Vivaldi browsers currently remain exceptions, continuing MV2 support. **Technical Details** Google Chrome has removed the kExtensionManifestV2Disabled feature flag, eliminating the ability to bypass MV2 restrictions. This change disables MV2 extensions by removing associated functionality due to technical complexity and security vulnerabilities, including recently discovered MV2-specific bugs. The transition affects the extension lifecycle and update mechanisms, with no specific CVEs or malware detailed in the sources. The removal impacts the extension execution stage of the kill chain by preventing legacy extension operation. **Recommended Response** Users and organizations should update all browser extensions to Manifest V3 (MV3) versions immediately to maintain functionality and security. Security teams should monitor browser extension inventories for deprecated MV2 add-ons and enforce policies to block unsupported extensions. Developers must prioritize migrating extensions to MV3 to ensure compatibility. No specific IOCs or patches are available; monitoring for extension-related errors and user reports is advised.
Source articles (2)
- Chrome removes Manifest V2 support and ends uBlock Origin bypasses — Feeds.4Sysops · 2026-06-09
Google Chrome is entering the final phase of deprecating Manifest V2 extensions in favor of the newer Manifest V3 standard. Developers have confirmed the removal of internal flags that previously allo… - Google Chrome is killing all uBlock Origin bypasses, Edge, Opera to follow — News.Ycombinator · 2026-06-10
For a while now the transition away from Manifest V2 (MV2) to MV3 has been on-going and it looks like it is entering its final phase of deprecation, at least, in the case of Google Chrome. A recent di…
Timeline
- 2026-06-09 — Chrome confirms removal of bypass flags: Developers confirmed the removal of internal flags that allowed users to bypass restrictions on MV2 extensions.
- 2026-06-10 — Chrome removes MV2 support: Google Chrome has officially ended support for Manifest V2 extensions, impacting users of uBlock Origin and similar tools.