Chrome Web Store update -> lost all tabs

[mcamou]

I have installed The Great Suspender from the Chrome Web Store. From what I read here, automatic updates should be disabled, but... a few minutes ago it auto-updated and I lost >50 tabs :( I don't know if this can be fixed, but at least a warning when installing (and even in the "Tab suspended" screen) would be appreciated.

[0xC0FFEE]

Also the update wants massive new rights to read/modify all web data. As I do not see any commit related to this I uninstalled the app for now. Is there any official statement about this?

[adityabhaskar]

I lost all my open tabs too.

The reason is that since there are additional permissions, Chrome disables the extension as a security measure till we enable it manually. And since it disables the extension, it also closes all the tabs of the extension, i.e. all tabs suspended by the extension.
#322 seems to be the actual reason.

The solution, for now, is to allow the permissions, and enable the extension. Then go to this link (chrome-extension://klbibkeccnjlkjkiokjodocebajanakg/history.html) and restore the last saved session from there.

The correct thing to do, for the developers, would have been to add the new permissions as optional in the manifest. Then open the options page on update, and prompt for permission from there. This wouldn't make Chrome disable the extension (thus closing all tabs), and make the transition easier for users.

[mcamou]

That did not work, chrome-extension://klbibkeccnjlkjkiokjodocebajanakg/history.html gave me a 404. I have uninstalled the extension, since I really can't afford to have something that will delete my data without notice.

[adityabhaskar]

@mcamou Do you have the extension enabled?

If so, go to extension's settings/options, then to Session Management, and restore from there.

[faultylee]

The updated feature is good, but I wished there was a warning before this major changes. The history from the extension contains only tabs, no "windows", so all my suspended tabs goes into 1 window, had to manually sort them out. Imagine this happened in the middle of work, when we needed those tabs as soon as possible.

[deanoemcke]

Im not sure what is going on. panic stations! i have lost control of the extension from the chrome developer dashboard. v6.22 does not even exist. i had no hand in this getting forced upon users.
i will update here when i know more :(

[ekapujiw2002]

Oh my God...
Hopefully will get thing done
really love the extention
maybe it is use by someone to steal user info?

[deanoemcke]

I'm in contact with Google and they're helping me resolve the issue. Fingers crossed I'll have it back soon.
I've checked the code of the new version that has been pushed to the webstore. There is nothing malicious in it, just a version number change. I think the huge storm of activity is due to everybody suddenly being forced to update. It's something I had deliberately avoided doing for exactly this reason. It's a real shame, and the blame ultimately falls on me for allowing my developer account to be compromised.
Huge apologies to everyone affected by this. I'll try to work out the best way to get the message out to the non-github community.

[ekapujiw2002]

Bravo

[Cris70]

Maybe the new extension does not have malicious code in it, but once the users have accepted the new authorizations requested, and with the account in the hands of an unknown developer, it's just a matter of time when malicious code will start appearing.
Fortunately when I saw the new unjustified authorization requests I turned to github to see if they were genuine. But how many users will do this?
Please spread the word...

[romario300]

as the author explains finally: what he needs to "change all user data on all websites" ??? This is simply not acceptable !!! Because it gives the author access to passwords and personal data !!! Why so abuse the trust of users ??? And most importantly - this writer does not speak a word !!! WHY?!?

[mcamou]

@romario300 see the author's (@deanoemcke) replies above

[romario300]

Thank you my friend, who answered! ))
But if that happened attackers broke Developer account, I think the author has himself everywhere wherever possible immediately notify all users that they are not updated and expand temporarily disabled until the problem is solved! Is not it?
 Because many users will not delve into the nuances and do not know that you can not in any case allow any expansion modify all user data on sites (eg I did not previously know) !!! So many people do not understand and permit attackers!
 This author also had to inform people as soon as possible! Is not it? Instead, the author sat quietly until many users have begun to ask about it! Is not that surprising?

[gregschwartz]

Chrome is automatically disabling the extension, which causes all tabs with it to suddenly be closed. Scary and confusing; wish Chrome showed a notification for it. Checking the Extensions window, it shows "This extension contains a serious security vulnerability." under The Great Suspender.

@deanoemcke thank you for watching our backs, I love the extension! Once it gets restored, do you know if it will be possible to recover tabs that were closed? Regardless, I'll keep using it. It's the only way my machine can handle this many tabs being open...