anavem.
Medium RiskWindowsLegitimateCommonly Abused
brave.exeWEB BROWSER

brave.exe - Brave Browser Security Analysis

brave.exe is the **Brave Browser**, a privacy-focused Chromium-based browser with built-in ad blocking and crypto wallet features. As a Chromium derivative, Brave shares the same **attack surface as Chrome** including debug port exploitation. Its **crypto wallet** feature adds additional value for attackers targeting cryptocurrency.

Risk Summary

MEDIUM priority for SOC triage. brave.exe is a Chromium-based browser with the same vulnerabilities as Chrome plus cryptocurrency wallet functionality. Monitor for debug port abuse, unusual child processes, wallet data access, and profile credential theft.

Overview

What is brave.exe?

brave.exe is the Brave Browser, a privacy-focused web browser built on Chromium.

Core Features

Privacy Focus:

  • Built-in ad and tracker blocking
  • HTTPS Everywhere
  • Fingerprinting protection
  • Tor private windows

Crypto Integration:

  • Brave Wallet (crypto)
  • BAT (Basic Attention Token)
  • Crypto rewards system

Security Significance

  • Chromium Base: Shares Chrome vulnerabilities
  • Crypto Wallet: High-value target for theft
  • Debug Port: Same exploitation vector as Chrome
  • Growing Adoption: Increasing target value

Normal Behavior

Normal Behavior

Expected Process State

PropertyExpected Value
PathC:\Program Files\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\Application\brave.exe
Parentexplorer.exe (user launch)
InstancesMultiple (multi-process)
UserLogged-in user
NetworkHTTP/HTTPS traffic

Multi-Process Architecture

brave.exe (browser process)
├── brave.exe --type=gpu-process
├── brave.exe --type=renderer
├── brave.exe --type=utility
└── brave.exe --type=extension

Profile Location

%LOCALAPPDATA%\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default\
├── Login Data
├── Cookies
├── History
└── Local Extension Settings\... (wallet data)

Common Locations

C:\Program Files\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\Application\brave.exeC:\Program Files (x86)\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\Application\brave.exe

Suspicious Indicators

Legitimate vs Suspicious

LEGITIMATE

Path:        C:\Program Files\BraveSoftware\...\brave.exe
Parent:      explorer.exe, brave.exe
User:        Logged-in user
Command:     --type=renderer, --type=gpu-process

SUSPICIOUS

Path:        C:\Users\Public\brave.exe
             C:\Temp\brave.exe
Parent:      cmd.exe, powershell.exe
Command:     --remote-debugging-port=9222
Children:    cmd.exe, powershell.exe
Behavior:    Accessing wallet files directly

High-Value Targets

DataLocationValue
Wallet SeedExtension dataCRITICAL
PasswordsLogin DataHIGH
CookiesCookiesMEDIUM

Abuse Techniques

Attack Techniques

Technique #1: Crypto Wallet Theft (T1555)

Targeting Brave Wallet:

# Wallet data stored in extension folder
$walletPath = "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\*"

Technique #2: Debug Port Exploitation (T1539)

brave.exe --remote-debugging-port=9222
# Same technique as Chrome

Technique #3: Credential Theft (T1555.003)

Same as Chrome:

  • Login Data SQLite database
  • DPAPI encrypted credentials

Technique #4: Process Masquerading (T1036.005)

Malware using brave.exe name.

Detection Guidance

Detection Strategies

Priority #1: Debug Port Monitoring

Process = "brave.exe" AND
CommandLine CONTAINS "--remote-debugging-port"
→ ALERT: CRITICAL

Priority #2: Wallet Data Access

Process != "brave.exe" AND
FileAccess CONTAINS "BraveSoftware" AND
FileAccess CONTAINS "Extension Settings"
→ ALERT: CRITICAL - Potential wallet theft

Priority #3: Unusual Child Processes

ParentProcess = "brave.exe" AND
ChildProcess IN ["cmd.exe", "powershell.exe"]
→ ALERT: HIGH

Priority #4: Path Verification

Process = "brave.exe" AND
Path NOT CONTAINS "BraveSoftware"
→ ALERT: CRITICAL

Remediation Steps

Protection and Remediation

Defense: Secure Wallet

Use hardware wallet instead of browser wallet for significant crypto holdings.

Defense: Browser Policy

Control browser settings via enterprise policies.

If Compromise Suspected

  1. Check for debug port usage
  2. Audit wallet transaction history
  3. Move crypto assets immediately
  4. Change all stored passwords
  5. Review installed extensions
  6. Check profile data access logs

Investigation Checklist

Investigation Checklist

  • Verify brave.exe path is legitimate
  • Check for debug port flags
  • Review wallet activity
  • Examine child processes
  • Audit profile data access
  • Check installed extensions
  • Review network connections
  • Validate file signature

MITRE ATT&CK Techniques

T1539T1555.003T1555T1036.005

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Last verified: January 18, 2026