Removal instructions for the Cumbha.app adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Cumbha.app?
Our researchers found Cumbha.app while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this application, we learned that it is adware from the Pirrit malware family. Cumbha.app is designed to feed users with undesirable and potentially malicious advertisements.
Cumbha.app adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive advert campaigns, i.e., displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., banners, pop-ups, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Note that certain conditions may be required for adware to work as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). Yet regardless of whether Cumbha.app delivers advertisements – it remains a danger to device and user safety.
Said ads mainly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Upon being clicked, some of them can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
While legitimate products and services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable for this promotion to be undertaken by scammers seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions through the abuse of the content's affiliate programs.
Pirrit adware-type apps commonly have browser hijacker capabilities – however, we did not observe these traits during our examination of Cumbha.app.
Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to Cumbha.app. Targeted data can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. This vulnerable data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, software like Cumbha.app may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Cumbha.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-CH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Pirrit.KR), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BP), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the Pirrit 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 investigated countless adware samples; ElementDisplay, Simulatively.app, and AdminHelper are just a couple of our newest finds. Software within this category tends to appear legitimate/innocuous and offer useful functions. The features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.
How did Cumbha.app install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. Most users access them via redirects caused by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution. Therefore, we recommend reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
If you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Cumbha.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Cumbha.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Cumbha.app"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Cumbha.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Cumbha.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 Cumbha.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Cumbha.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Cumbha.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Cumbha.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Cumbha.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Cumbha.app adware removal:
Remove Cumbha.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?
This software is designed to display advertisements, which commonly promote harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Adware can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, it is considered to be a privacy threat since this software usually has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Furthermore, some types are also capable of force-opening websites and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the revenue is generated through affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Cumbha.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. Following the adware's manual removal – various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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