Removal instructions for the RiddleStack adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is RiddleStack?
RiddleStack is an adware-type application that our researchers discovered while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. RiddleStack is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns.
RiddleStack adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive advertisements. This third-party graphical content primarily promotes online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products and services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might require specific conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether RiddleStack displays ads – its presence remains a threat to device and user safety.
Additionally, AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking abilities, although we did not observe any while testing RiddleStack.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely has data-tracking functionalities. Adware typically targets the following information: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like RiddleStack on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ada by RiddleStack |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Search), 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), 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. |
Adware examples
We have examined countless adware samples; MergeFlow, SeasonValue, StoreFlow, and ExperienceSys are merely some of our latest finds.
This software usually appears legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into downloading/installing this software with promises of various functionalities, which are rarely operational. Note that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did RiddleStack install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled (packed together) with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors to these pages enter them through redirects generated by websites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with RiddleStack, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once RiddleStack adware's installation is over:
RiddleStack 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 RiddleStack?
- STEP 1. Remove RiddleStack related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove RiddleStack ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove RiddleStack adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove RiddleStack ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove RiddleStack adware using Combo Cleaner:
RiddleStack adware removal:
Remove RiddleStack-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 displays ads that endorse deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). It can also diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Advertising-supported software is considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of ads on various interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of generating redirects and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate redirects primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and so on.
Will Combo Cleaner remove RiddleStack adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – various leftover files can remain hidden within the system. What is more, the remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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