How to eliminate the ExploreBuffer adware-type app from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ExploreBuffer?
ExploreBuffer is a rogue application classed as adware. Our researchers discovered it while browsing new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. This app is part of the AdLoad malware family. ExploreBuffer is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising.
ExploreBuffer adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Typically, it displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, overlays, banners, and other advertisements) on various interfaces. The delivered ads can promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the adverts can carry them out upon being clicked.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their actual developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the promoted content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, even if ExploreBuffer does not display adverts – it endangers device integrity and user safety.
Additionally, AdLoad adware-type applications often behave as browser hijackers. However, we did not observe hijacker functionalities while examining the ExploreBuffer app.
What is more, software within this classification usually possesses data-tracking abilities, and this might apply to ExploreBuffer. Adware may collect browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, the presence of software like ExploreBuffer on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ExploreBuffer |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to the 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. |
Adware examples
BinaryAccessibility, WebFraction, ResourceDevice, ApplicationPlatform, and CoreInterface are just some examples of adware-type applications we have analyzed recently.
Advertising-supported software seldom appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious; it tends to look ordinary and harmless. Users may be lured into downloading/installing adware by promises of "handy" functions. However, these functionalities rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did ExploreBuffer install on my computer?
Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional pages and scam websites. Users mainly access such webpages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, sites using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for 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 being inattentive when installing programs (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Intrusive advertisements spread adware as well. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user content.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is essential to study terms and options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additions (e.g., apps, tools, extensions, features, etc.).
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ExploreBuffer, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ExploreBuffer adware's installation is over:
ExploreBuffer 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
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Quick menu:
- What is ExploreBuffer?
- STEP 1. Remove ExploreBuffer related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ExploreBuffer ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ExploreBuffer adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ExploreBuffer ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ExploreBuffer adware using Combo Cleaner:
ExploreBuffer adware removal:
Remove ExploreBuffer-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 through adware-delivered ads can be harmful and cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Furthermore, adware is deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually collects sensitive information.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advertisement campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ExploreBuffer adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security programs) might be ineffective. After the adware has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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