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How to eliminate the AconitumNapellus malicious browser extension

Also Known As: AconitumNapellus unwanted browser extension
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of software is AconitumNapellus?

AconitumNapellus is a malicious browser extension discovered by our researchers in an installer promoted on a dubious webpage. This piece of software makes alterations to browsers and spies on users' browsing activity.

It is noteworthy that installation setups like the one containing AconitumNapellus may include multiple unwanted or potentially hazardous additions.

AconitumNapellus browser extension

AconitumNapellus overview

AconitumNapellus targets Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers. It can manage their apps, extensions, themes, and other settings. Hence, this malicious software can change browsers' appearance and operation.

The extension also uses the "Managed by your organization" functionality, which is available on Chrome and Edge. This feature enables AconitumNapellus to gain further control over the browser and may serve the purpose of a persistence-ensuring mechanism.

This software can be used to perform a variety of harmful activities. One potential use could be the exploitation of browser vulnerabilities to open an avenue for additional infections.

AconitumNapellus has data-tracking abilities, which are standard for rogue extensions. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on. This sensitive information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

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

Threat Summary:
Name AconitumNapellus unwanted browser extension
Threat Type Malicious Extension, Unwanted Extension
Browser Extension(s) AconitumNapellus
Detection Names (installer) Avast (Other:Malware-gen [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/DragonBossSolutions.B Potentially ), Fortinet (Riskware/DragonBossSolutions), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Win32.WebComp), Rising (Adware.WebCompanion!8.171BF (CLOUD)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms The "Managed by your organization" feature is activated in Chrome or Edge browser, decreased Internet browsing speed, your computer becomes slower than usual.
Distribution Methods Dubious websites, malicious installers, deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads.
Damage Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Similar software examples

We have investigated countless rogue browser extensions; CarcharhinusLeucasSphyrnaMokarran, and PachyrhinosaurusLakustai are just a few examples of ones similar to AconitumNapellus.

Aside from data gathering, this software may also display advertisements (adware) or generate redirects (browser hijackers). Malicious extensions are often presented as legitimate and useful tools. However, they seldom operate as advertised, and in most cases – the promised features do not work at all.

Keep in mind that even if a browser extension or an application operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did AconitumNapellus install on my computer?

We acquired an installation setup containing AconitumNapellus from a deceptive page. In addition to various scam sites, rogue browser extensions can have "official" promotional webpages.

Users primarily access these sites via redirects generated by pages employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware.

Harmful extensions can also be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Additionally, this malicious software may be proliferated by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of unwanted software?

It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of supplementary apps, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look ordinary/innocuous – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, etc.).

If you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with AconitumNapellus, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this rogue software.

Screenshot of a website used to promote an installer containing AconitumNapellus:

Website promoting AconitumNapellus

Screenshot of AconitumNapellus extension's detailed information:

AconitumNapellus browser extension details

Screenshot of AconitumNapellus installed on the Microsoft Edge browser:

AconitumNapellus extension installed on Edge

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner 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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Unwanted software removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

Unwanted app uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the unwanted applications, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing unwanted extensions from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "AconitumNapellus" and all other recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing unwanted extensions from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the aconitumnapellus unwanted browser extension, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing unwanted extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removing unwanted extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with aconitumnapellus unwanted browser extension removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the aconitumnapellus unwanted browser extension, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Post a comment:
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can AconitumNapellus cause?

AconitumNapellus can change browsers' appearance and behavior. This extension may be used for a variety of nefarious purposes, and that includes exploiting browser vulnerabilities to further the infection. AconitumNapellus also has data-tracking abilities. Generally, the presence of such software on a device may lead to a diminished browsing experience, system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What does AconitumNapellus do?

AconitumNapellus can manage/modify browsers' apps, extensions, themes, and other settings. It also utilizes the "Managed by your organization" feature (Chrome, Edge) to gain further control and prevent browser recovery. Additionally, this extension reads browsing histories and collects sensitive information.

How do AconitumNapellus developers generate revenue?

AconitumNapellus' developers might sell the gathered data or otherwise abuse it for profit. Aside from data tracking, rogue browser extensions commonly generate revenue through content promotion (e.g., by displaying ads, force-opening sites, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove malicious software?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all manner of threats. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the software has been manually removed – file remnants stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate software thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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