Removal instructions for the ModuleUpdater adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is ModuleUpdater?
While investigating new file submissions to the VirusTotal site, our researchers discovered the ModuleUpdater application. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. ModuleUpdater is part of the AdLoad malware group.
ModuleUpdater adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Usually, it operates by displaying advertisements (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, banners, coupons, etc.) on visited websites or other interfaces.
However, certain conditions may be required for adware to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). Yet even if ModuleUpdater does not deliver ads – this application remains a threat to device integrity and user privacy.
Adware-displayed adverts commonly endorse online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and malware. Sneaky downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the ads can carry them out upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is performed by scammers who abuse the endorsed content's affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad apps often have browser-hijacking abilities – however, ModuleUpdater did not exhibit these traits during our analysis.
What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of ModuleUpdater.
Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, browser cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like ModuleUpdater on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ModuleUpdater |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Rload.4), 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 inspected numerous adware samples; SystemRecord, MapperRanking, and Capmaking.app are just a couple of our newest articles on this software.
Adware typically appears harmless and offers various features. However, its functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. Remember that even if a piece of software functions exactly as detailed by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.
How did ModuleUpdater install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions.
Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of bundled content infiltrating the system.
Furthermore, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Most users access these pages via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/trustworthy sources. When installing, it is crucial to read terms, inspect possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, features, etc.).
We also advise being careful while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate. For example, intrusive adverts may look innocuous – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ModuleUpdater, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ModuleUpdater adware's installation is over:
ModuleUpdater 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 ModuleUpdater?
- STEP 1. Remove ModuleUpdater related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ModuleUpdater ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ModuleUpdater adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ModuleUpdater ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
ModuleUpdater adware removal:
Remove ModuleUpdater-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 purpose of adware is to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. This is typically achieved by the software displaying advertisements, which can promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software is also considered a threat to user privacy, as it typically possesses data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware's primary functionalities can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, etc. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ModuleUpdater adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these components may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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