NativeExt

NativeExt

The NativeExt extension manages access to the NativeExt application, which gives other browser extensions full access to your computer. NativeExt will explicitly ask you for every extension before granting it access to your system.

NativeExt promo image
What is NativeExt?

NativeExt is a Firefox add-on that manages access to the NativeExt application, giving other extensions full access to your computer. It ensures security by explicitly asking for permission before granting access.

Merlin
Stats
Stats date:
By: NiklasG
Users: 57
Rating: 3.33 (3)
Version: 0.3.2 (Last updated: 2018-09-02)
Creation date: 2018-06-07
Weekly download count: NaN
Firefox on Android: Yes
Manifest version: 2
Permissions:
  • storage
  • nativeMessaging
  • notifications
  • sessions
  • https://*.github.com/*
  • https://*.s3.amazonaws.com/*
Size: 99.47K
Email: Click to see
URLs: Website
Risk impact: Moderate risk impact
Risk likelihood: Low risk likelihood

Chrome-Stats Rank

Other platforms

Not available on Chrome
Not available on Edge
Merlin
Summary

To use NativeExt, you must download and install its desktop application as well. The extensions option page on about:addons will guide you through the process.

Description

NativeExt doesn't do anything on its own. It is a special module that extends the capabilities of other browser extensions. It allows extensions that were explicitly allowed by the user to execute node.js JavaScript code on the computer, with the full access of the current user account. While this is, from a security perspective, generally equivalent to installing a program on the computer, it is much easier to install and update for the user (once initially set up, allowing an extension requires only a single click, and updates are implicitly included with the extension itself) and easier to develop and maintain for the developers (write/bundle standard node.js modules and ship them with the extension; no platform specific installation or update code required).

For more information on what and why NativeExt is, see the project homepage.

Permissions used:

  • Exchange messages with programs: Manage and launch the extension process
  • Display notifications: Inform about setup status, updates and errors
  • Recently closed tabs: Remove own popups from recently closed windows
  • Access github.com and s3.amazonaws.com: Download application updates

User reviews
It seems to be sheer impossible to install this extension: Messages are displayed for mere seconds, rendering them impossible to read and the setup instructions are impossible to understand, at least by me with 30 odd years in IT under my belt. Why it has to be this difficult is beyond me. I'd give it zero stars if I could. Highly frustrating!

by bitelse, 2020-10-07

View all user reviews
Safety
Risk impact

NativeExt may not be safe to use and it requires some risky permissions. Exercise caution when installing this add-on. Review carefully before installing.

Risk likelihood

NativeExt has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.

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Screenshots