The annual Pwn2own security challenge takes flight this week as security researchers attempt to exploit browsers and mobile platforms.
This year new rules will have researchers restricted by the browsers’ protected mode and sandboxes in an effort to up the ante.
“Chrome has a sandbox, while IE has a protected mode which is similar in concept. Last year we didn’t take that into account and we didn’t require people to break out of protected mode – this year we are,” said Aaron Portnoy, the manager of the Security Research Team at TippingPoint Technologies. “The bar has risen, not just on Chrome because of its sandbox but IE as well.”
Researchers, however, will likely have a few tricks up their sleeves as they seek to take a piece of the $125,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs.
Read eSecurity Planet’s report to find out how researchers are likely to exploit browsers during the Pwn2own contest.