How to eliminate the AconitumNapellus malicious browser extension
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
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 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.
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. |
Similar software examples
We have investigated countless rogue browser extensions; CarcharhinusLeucas, SphyrnaMokarran, 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:
Screenshot of AconitumNapellus extension's detailed information:
Screenshot of AconitumNapellus installed on the Microsoft Edge browser:
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is AconitumNapellus?
- STEP 1. Uninstall unwanted applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Unwanted software removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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".
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 (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (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".
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, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
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 (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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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