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Removal instructions for the Cumbha.app adware-type application

Also Known As: Ads by Cumbha.app
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is Cumbha.app?

Our researchers found Cumbha.app while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this application, we learned that it is adware from the Pirrit malware family. Cumbha.app is designed to feed users with undesirable and potentially malicious advertisements.

Cumbha.app adware detections on VirusTotal

Cumbha.app adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by running intrusive advert campaigns, i.e., displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., banners, pop-ups, overlays, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

Note that certain conditions may be required for adware to work as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). Yet regardless of whether Cumbha.app delivers advertisements – it remains a danger to device and user safety.

Said ads mainly promote online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Upon being clicked, some of them can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

While legitimate products and services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable for this promotion to be undertaken by scammers seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions through the abuse of the content's affiliate programs.

Pirrit adware-type apps commonly have browser hijacker capabilities – however, we did not observe these traits during our examination of Cumbha.app.

Advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to Cumbha.app. Targeted data can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. This vulnerable data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, software like Cumbha.app may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by Cumbha.app
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-CH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Pirrit.KR), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BP), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Pirrit.ac), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information This application belongs to the Pirrit 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 investigated countless adware samples; ElementDisplaySimulatively.app, and AdminHelper are just a couple of our newest finds. Software within this category tends to appear legitimate/innocuous and offer useful functions. The features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of legitimacy or safety.

How did Cumbha.app install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. Most users access them via redirects caused by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution. Therefore, we recommend reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

If you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Cumbha.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

When removing Cumbha.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Cumbha.app"):

  • ~/Library/LaunchAgents
  • /Library/LaunchDaemons
  • /Library/LaunchAgents
  • /Library/StartupItems

Pop-up window displayed when Cumbha.app adware is present on the system:

Pop-up displayed when Cumbha.app adware is detected on the system

Text presented in this pop-up:

"Cumbha.app" will damage your computer.


This file was downloaded on a unknown date.


OK
Show in Finder

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:

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

Cumbha.app adware removal:

Remove Cumbha.app-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

This software is designed to display advertisements, which commonly promote harmful content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Adware can also decrease browsing quality and system performance. Additionally, it is considered to be a privacy threat since this software usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of ads on various interfaces. Furthermore, some types are also capable of force-opening websites and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.). Most of the revenue is generated through affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Cumbha.app adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. Following the adware's manual removal – various file leftovers can remain hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Removal Instructions in other languages
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by Cumbha.app QR code
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