Removing ParameterBuffer adware-type application and the adverts it displays

What kind of application is ParameterBuffer?

While reviewing new submissions to the VirusTotal platform, our researchers discovered the ParameterBuffer adware. This application is part of the AdLoad malware family. ParameterBuffer operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.

ParameterBuffer adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It delivers intrusive advert campaigns by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, coupons, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.

The advertisements primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some intrusive ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products/services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers or other official parties. This endorsement is most likely driven by scammers seeking to attain illegitimate commissions through the abuse of the content's affiliate programs.

Adware may require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Yet even if ParameterBuffer does not display ads – the app's presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety.

While AdLoad applications commonly have browser hijacker traits, ParameterBuffer did not exhibit these functionalities during testing.

Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to the ParameterBuffer app. Information of interest can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

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

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ParameterBuffer
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.8), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.C), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac 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.

Adware examples

We have examined countless adware-type applications; SimpleCache, ProfessionalView, ExpandedControl, HyperTextCompile, and SaveSysBoot are just some of our newest finds.

Software within this category usually appears harmless and offers various useful functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that operational features do not prove a software's legitimacy or safety.

How did ParameterBuffer install on my computer?

"Bundling" – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware.

Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the device.

Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Additionally, adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and deceptive/scam sites. Most users access them via redirects generated by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open webpages).

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software and download it from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.

We also advise being careful while browsing, as fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, gambling, 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 ParameterBuffer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once ParameterBuffer adware's installation is over:

ParameterBuffer 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 ParameterBuffer?
• STEP 1. Remove ParameterBuffer related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove ParameterBuffer ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove ParameterBuffer adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove ParameterBuffer ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

ParameterBuffer adware removal:

Remove ParameterBuffer-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 content promoted by adware-delivered advertisements can be deceptive/harmful and cause 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. Furthermore, adware is considered to be a threat to user privacy since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. It displays ads on visited websites and/or different interfaces. Some adware types can also generate redirects and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit is made through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ParameterBuffer adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your system and eliminate all adware-type apps detected. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. These remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.

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