Starting with Chrome 148, the Math.tanh function provides distinct outputs based on the operating system, enabling fingerprinting. This change allows techniques to classify the OS based on floating-point calculations, introducing privacy implications for users.
With Chrome 148, the implementation of Math.tanh was changed to use standard libraries based on the OS environment. Prior to this version, a bundled function produced identical results across different operating systems, preventing OS-specific identification.
Different operating systems implement the Math.tanh function using their respective libraries: Linux uses glibc, macOS uses Apple’s libsystem_m, and Windows uses UCRT. This results in varying numerical outputs for the same input across different systems, making it possible for detectors to classify browsers by their OS.
The change increases the feasibility of OS fingerprinting techniques, which can track users more effectively. Each OS produces a distinct output for certain Math.tanh inputs, providing a unique signature that could be used alongside other fingerprinting methods.
Scrapfly and similar technologies may need to adapt to these new variations in Math outputs to accurately match browser profiles across different systems. As such, this change is significant within the context of browser fingerprinting and user privacy concerns.
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Starting with Chrome 148, the Math.tanh function provides distinct outputs based on the operating system, enabling fingerprinting. This change allows techniques to classify the OS based on floating-point calculations, introducing privacy implications for users.