How to remove ShadowVault stealer from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is ShadowVault?
Targeting macOS users, ShadowVault is an information-stealing malware. Its creators market and sell it on a hacker forum at a price of $500 per month. This malicious software is capable of extracting sensitive data from web browsers, files stored on compromised computers, as well as data from cryptocurrency wallets and other sources.
ShadowVault stealer overview
ShadowVault is a powerful malware designed to extract a wide range of sensitive information from targeted systems. It is capable of capturing passwords, cookies, credit card details, and wallets associated with various Chromium-based browsers such as Brave, Chrome, Edge, Opera, Torch, Vivaldi, Yandex, and many others.
Additionally, it can extract similar information from Firefox browsers and supports the decryption and extraction of crypto wallets from popular platforms like Atomic, Binance, Coinbase, Coinomi, Exodus, Keplr, Martian, Metamask, Phantom, Trust, and Tron Link. Furthermore, ShadowVault includes a feature for grabbing data from the messaging platform Telegram.
Also, ShadowVault has a feature that involves signing the malicious software's build with an Apple developer's signature. This signature verifies the authenticity and integrity of the app, ensuring that it has not been tampered with or modified by unauthorized parties. An additional fee is required when willing to obtain the digital signature from the Apple developer.
| Name | ShadowVault information stealer |
| Threat Type | Information Stealer |
| Symptoms | Most stealers are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'. |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, monetary loss, privacy breaches, and more. |
| Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Possible damage
ShadowVault, a powerful malware, can cause significant damage to victims, including identity theft through the capture of passwords and login credentials, financial loss by extracting credit card details and crypto wallet information, and privacy breaches through the extraction of sensitive data from browsers and messaging platforms.
Also, ShadowVault can cause issues such as data leakage, potentially exposing confidential conversations and files and unauthorized access and control, allowing cybercriminals to launch further attacks or spy on victims.
More examples of malware targeting macOS users are JokerSpy, Geacon, and TrafficStealer.
How did malware infiltrate my computer?
Users may unknowingly download infected files or software from untrusted sources, such as suspicious websites or file-sharing platforms. These downloads can contain malware that installs itself on the computer when executed. Also, cybercriminals often use emails to trick users into clicking on malicious links or opening harmful email attachments.
Outdated software, especially operating systems, and applications, can have vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit to gain access to computers. Users who do not regularly update their software are at a higher risk of being infected.
Visiting compromised or malicious websites can also lead to drive-by downloads, where malware is automatically downloaded and installed without the user's knowledge or consent.
How to avoid installation malware?
Install reputable antivirus or anti-malware software on your computer or device. Keep it updated and run regular scans to detect and remove potential threats. Be cautious when clicking on links, downloading files, or opening email attachments, especially if they are from unknown or suspicious sources. Avoid visiting untrusted websites or clicking on pop-up ads.
Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and other software. Be vigilant about phishing emails and messages that attempt to trick you into revealing personal information or downloading malicious attachments.
If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate all threats.
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is ShadowVault?
- STEP 1. Remove ShadowVault related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Unwanted applications removal:
Remove 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)
My computer is infected with ShadowVault malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Formatting is not necessary when dealing with malicious software such as ShadowVault. Instead, you can effectively eliminate it by utilizing reliable antivirus software like Combo Cleaner.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Malicious software has the potential to jeopardize the security and privacy of sensitive information, and disrupt computer systems, leading to system crashes, reduced performance, and decreased productivity. It can also encrypt crucial files and demand ransom payments, among other harmful actions.
What is the purpose of ShadowVault malware?
The purpose of the ShadowVault malware is to extract a wide range of sensitive information from targeted systems.
How did malware infiltrate my computer?
Users can unknowingly download malware from untrusted sources like suspicious websites or file-sharing platforms. Cybercriminals also employ deceptive emails to trick users into clicking on malicious links or opening harmful attachments. Outdated software exposes vulnerabilities that hackers exploit for unauthorized access. Visiting compromised websites can result in drive-by downloads, automatically injecting malware without user consent.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner has the ability to detect and remove nearly all known malware infections. Sophisticated malware often hides deeply within the system. Therefore, performing a full system scan is essential to ensure effective detection and removal.
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