MediaDownloader Adware (Mac)

What is MediaDownloader?

MediaDownloader is a rogue application that supposedly allows users to download media files and convert their formats. These claims often trick users into believing that MediaDownloader is a legitimate application.

Be aware, however, that MediaDownloader is distributed using the "bundling" method and, thus, it often infiltrates systems without users' consent.

Furthermore, this app delivers intrusive online advertisements and continually records data relating to Internet browsing activity. For these reasons, MediaDownloader is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware.

Following infiltration, MediaDownloader employs a 'virtual layer' to generate pop-up, coupon, banner, and other similar ads. The virtual layer enables placement of third party graphical content on any site. Therefore, ads displayed by MediaDownloader often conceal underlying web content, thereby significantly diminishing the browsing experience.

In addition, some redirect to malicious websites - even accidental clicks can result in high-risk adware or malware infections. In addition, MediaDownloader continually records IP addresses, websites visited, pages viewed, queries entered into search engines, and other similar information.

This data might contain personal details that developers of MediaDownloader share with cooperating third parties (who often misuse private information to generate revenue).

Thus, the presence of an information-tracking app on your system can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. You are strongly advised to remove MediaDownloader from your computer immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	videoDownloader adware
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Bundlore-EA [Adw]), Ikarus (Trojan.MAC.Generic), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Bnodlero.ah), ZoneAlarm by Check Point (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Bnodlero.ah), Full List (VirusTotal)
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers, torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

MediaDownloader shares many similarities with other adware-type applications such as WishApp, MyShopBot, and PowerSearchOnline. Note that all offer different features, however, they have identical behavior. Adware is designed only to generate revenue for the developers and regular users receive no significant value.

PUPs such as MediaDownloader merely generate intrusive online advertisements (via the "Pay Per Click" advertising model) and collect various data (which is later shared with third parties to generate revenue).

How did MediaDownloader install on my computer?

MediaDownloader has an official download website, however, developers also distribute this PUP using a deceptive software marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of potentially unwanted programs with regular software. Research shows that many users rush the download/installation processes and skip most steps.

Therefore, all bundled programs are hidden within the "Custom/Advanced" settings. By skipping this section, users expose their systems to risk of various infections.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

This situation can be prevented by taking two simple steps. PUPs are distributed using the bundling method and, therefore, never rush the download or installation processes. Closely analyze each step using the "Custom/Advanced" settings. Secondly, decline offers to download/install third party programs and opt-out of those already included.

Delusive application installer promoting MediaDownloader adware:

Another installer promoting MediaDownloader adware:

Screenshot of MediaDownloader (videoDownloader) application:

Updated variant of MediaDownloader potentially unwanted application for Mac:

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is MediaDownloader?
• STEP 1. Remove MediaDownloader related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove MediaDownloader ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove MediaDownloader adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove MediaDownloader ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove MediaDownloader using Combo Cleaner:

MediaDownloader adware removal:

Remove MediaDownloader-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select “Applications”. In the applications folder, look for “MPlayerX”,“NicePlayer”, or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove browser hijacker-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for browser hijacker generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by browser hijackers - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Browser hijacker commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for browser hijacker generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the browser hijackers, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove browser hijackers from Internet browsers

Remove Safari browser hijackers:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

Change your homepage:

In the "Preferences" window, select the "General" tab. To set your homepage, type the preferred website URL (for example: www.google.com) in the Homepage field. You can also click the "Set to Current Page" button if you wish to set your homepage to the website you are currently visiting.

Change your default search engine:

In the "Preferences" window, select the "Search" tab. Here you will find a drop-down menu labeled "Search engine:" Simply select your preferred search engine from the drop-down list.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove Google Chrome browser hijackers:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Change your homepage

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select "Settings". In the "On startup" section, disable the malicious extension (if present), look for a browser hijacker URL below the "Open a specific or set of pages" option. If present, click on the three vertical dots icon and select "Remove".

Change your default search engine:

To change your default search engine in Google Chrome: Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Settings", in the "Search engine" section, click "Manage search engines...", in the opened list look for a browser hijacker URL, when located click the three vertical dots near this URL and select "Delete".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Change your homepage

To reset your homepage, click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window), then select "Settings", in the opened window disable malicious extension (if present), remove the browser hijacker URL and enter your preferred domain, which will open each time you start Mozilla Firefox.

Change your default search engine:

In the URL address bar, type "about:config" and press Enter. Click "Accept the Risk and Continue".

In the search filter at the top, type: "extensionControlled". Set both results to "false" by either double-clicking each entry or clicking the button.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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