Removal instructions for the EditExecute adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is EditExecute?
EditExecute is a rogue app discovered by our research team while checking out new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. Following inspection, we determined that this application is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. EditExecute is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns.
EditExecute adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It can display advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces, such as visited webpages, desktops, and others.
Note that specific conditions may be necessary for adware to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Yet even if EditExecute does not deliver ads – it remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts primarily promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and potential malware. Some intrusive ads can even be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
Keep in mind that any genuine products/services encountered through these advertisements are most likely endorsed in this manner by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Browser-hijacking abilities are common in AdLoad applications – however, EditExecute did not exhibit them during our analysis.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically gathers private information, and this might be true of EditExecute. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like EditExecute on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by EditExecute |
| 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.Searchpro), 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 numerous adware-type apps; ObjectBuffer, SmartCharacter, and OpticalSkill are but a few examples. Software within this classification can appear legitimate and offer a broad range of "handy" functionalities. However, these features are usually fake – they are used as bait to lure users into downloading/installing the adware.
It must be mentioned that merely because a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that does not mean that it is legitimate or safe.
How did EditExecute install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The threat of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. The majority of visitors access these webpages via redirects generated by misspelled URLs, websites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive adverts as well. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.
Since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless – we strongly advise exercising caution while browsing. Intrusive ads are an example of this; while these adverts look innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements/redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with EditExecute, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once EditExecute adware's installation is over:
EditExecute 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 EditExecute?
- STEP 1. Remove EditExecute related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove EditExecute ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove EditExecute adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove EditExecute ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove EditExecute adware using Combo Cleaner:
EditExecute adware removal:
Remove EditExecute-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?
The presence of advertising-supported software on a device can result in decreased browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Additionally, adware usually has data-tracking functionality – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting various sites, products, services, applications, browser extensions, etc. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove EditExecute adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate all adware-type apps present. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might be ineffective. In some cases, after the software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. The remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion