Removing the BufferDeveloper adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is BufferDeveloper?
Our researchers discovered BufferDeveloper while investigating new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon examination, we determined that this app is adware from the AdLoad malware family. BufferDeveloper is designed to feed users with unwanted and potentially malicious ads.
BufferDeveloper adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Usually, it operates by displaying ads on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. Certain conditions may be necessary for this software to function as designed, such as compatible browser/system specs or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, and so on. Regardless of whether BufferDeveloper delivers advertisements – it threatens device safety and user privacy.
Adware-displayed adverts can endorse various scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. Sneaky downloads/installations are another concern, as some ads may carry them out upon being clicked.
It must be mentioned that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.
AdLoad applications commonly exhibit browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these qualities while analyzing BufferDeveloper.
Additionally, data-tracking abilities are standard for advertising-supported software, and this might apply to BufferDeveloper. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The gathered data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, adware like BufferDeveloper may be linked to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by BufferDeveloper |
| 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 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
We have researched thousands of adware-type apps and extensions; ElementaryInterface, WebClick, and Dem.app are merely a couple of our newest articles. Software within this category seldom appears illegitimate or otherwise suspect. It tends to look ordinary and useful.
Adware can also offer various handy features, which are usually fake since their sole purpose is to serve as bait. Remember that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did BufferDeveloper install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.
The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from suspicious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Adware is also endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. Most visitors to these pages access them via redirects caused by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive adverts as well. Some of the advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, tools, extensions, etc.
Fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless – therefore, we advise being vigilant while browsing. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive ads redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering advertisements and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with BufferDeveloper, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once BufferDeveloper adware's installation is over:
BufferDeveloper 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 BufferDeveloper?
- STEP 1. Remove BufferDeveloper related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove BufferDeveloper ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove BufferDeveloper adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove BufferDeveloper ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
BufferDeveloper adware removal:
Remove BufferDeveloper-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?
Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Serious threats are posed by the content endorsed via adware-delivered advertisements, including system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. Furthermore, this software is considered a privacy threat since it typically possesses data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its primary function is to display third-party graphical content (ads) on various interfaces. However, some adware what types are also capable of force-opening websites and collecting private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting content. The software's developers/publishers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove BufferDeveloper adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and remove detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might not be ideal. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, adware and other unwanted software must be eliminated thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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