Removal instructions for the Waste.app adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Waste.app?
Waste.app is a piece of rogue software discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal site. Our analysis revealed that Waste.app is advertising-supported software from the Pirrit adware family. This application is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns.
Waste.app adware overview
Adware operates by feeding users with unwanted and potentially malicious advertisements. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, banners, overlays, surveys, etc.) can be displayed on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.
It is pertinent to mention that this software might not display ads if the browser/system or user geolocation is incompatible, specific sites are not visited, or other conditions are unsuitable. Regardless of whether Waste.app runs intrusive advert campaigns – its presence on a device remains a threat.
Adware-delivered advertisements primarily promote scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
Note that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers abusing its affiliate programs for the purpose of acquiring illegitimate commissions.
While we have found instances of Pirrit applications with browser hijacker abilities, Waste.app did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.
Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to Waste.app. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. This sensitive data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, software like Waste.app may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Waste.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-FE [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27834), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the Pirrit adware 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 samples; Plebeianness.app, Laser.app, Cucullate, and ExploreOpenWin are but a few of our newest finds.
While software within this classification typically appears ordinary and offers various useful features, it seldom operates as promised. The functionalities that adware claims to have are usually just bait to lure users into downloading/installing the software.
Keep in mind that even if an app or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did Waste.app install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download webpages and deceptive/scam sites. The majority of visitors to these pages access them via redirects caused by websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. The danger of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is proliferated by intrusive adverts. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software before downloading or purchasing it. All downloads must be made from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of supplementary apps, extensions, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, pornography, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with adverts/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Waste.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Waste, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "waste"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Waste.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Waste.app" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on a unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
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 Waste.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Waste.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Waste.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Waste.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Waste.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Waste.app adware removal:
Remove Waste.app-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?
Deceptive/malicious content may be promoted through adware-displayed advertisements, which can lead to various severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of advertising-supported software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, adware is classed as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include displaying ads on visited websites and/or other interfaces, causing redirects, and collecting vulnerable data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs for content promotion. Adware developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Waste.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type apps installed. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed. What is more, the remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.
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