Removing DockModule adware and the advertisements it delivers

What is DockModule?

DockModule is a rogue app that our research team found while checking out new submissions to VirusTotal. After analyzing DockModule, we determined it operates as advertising-supported software (adware) and belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

DockModule adware overview

Adware may not display advertisements if certain conditions are unsuitable (e.g., browser/system or user geolocation are incompatible, specific websites are not visited, etc.). However, regardless of whether DockModule delivers adverts or not - its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.

Adware-delivered adverts endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful sites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads can stealthily download/install software - once clicked on.

Note that any legitimate products encountered through these advertisements are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. Instead, this promotion is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, DockModule might have browser hijacker functionalities since they are standard for AdLoad adware, although it did not exhibit any during our analysis.

What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data tracking abilities, and this likely applies to DockModule. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, financial/banking data, etc. The gathered information is monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of software like DockModule on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by DockModule
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information	This application belongs to Adload malware family.
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.

Adware examples

We have analyzed countless adware-type applications; AdvanceServices, CompellingEntry, ElementForce, BasicTransaction - are just some examples. Advertising-supported software appears legitimate and offers "handy" features. However, these functions rarely work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.

How did DockModule install on my computer?

Adware is distributed using the "bundling" marketing method - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions. Download from dubious channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps and sections, etc.) increase the risk of permitting bundled content into the system.

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission. Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution.

Adware is also promoted through "official" download pages and scam websites. Users typically enter sites of this kind through redirects caused by webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, installation must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additions.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually looks legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements appear harmless yet redirect to questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult-dating, pornography, etc.).

In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this type, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with DockModule, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once DockModule adware's installation is over:

DockModule adware's installation folder:

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

Video showing how to remove DockModule adware using Combo Cleaner:

DockModule adware removal:

Remove DockModule-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 adware-related files and folders

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

Check for adware 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 adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware 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 adware 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 adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware 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 adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

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.

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

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

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".

• 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".

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can decrease the browsing experience and system performance. It is also classified as a privacy threat, as this software typically has data tracking functionalities. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware - hence, the threats posed can also include system infections, financial losses, etc.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to display advertisements on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Some types can also force-open webpages and gather private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate most of their revenue through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, software, products, services, and so forth.

Will Combo Cleaner remove DockModule adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all the adware-type apps installed. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. Since even if the adware itself has been (manually) removed - various components (files) may remain within the system. Furthermore, the leftover files can continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is crucial to remove adware thoroughly.

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