Removing the Appendix.app adware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is Appendix.app?
Our researchers discovered Appendix.app while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After analyzing this application, we learned that it is adware belonging to the Pirrit malware family. Appendix.app operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.
Appendix.app adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to deliver intrusive ad campaigns. This software enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, banners, overlays, coupons, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.
Note that specific conditions may be necessary for adware to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visit to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether Appendix.app displays advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat to device and user safety.
Adware-delivered adverts predominantly promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of them can even perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed in this fashion by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
While we have found instances where Pirrit apps exhibited browser-hijacking functionalities, we did not observe these qualities while testing Appendix.app.
Furthermore, software within this classification usually gathers private information, and this might apply to Appendix.app. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like Appendix.app on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by Appendix.app |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-DQ [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27753), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.BM), 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. |
Adware examples
CommonValue, Cumbha.app, and ElementDisplay are just a couple examples of adware-type apps we have examined recently. Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious; it tends to look genuine and harmless.
Adware can also offer a broad range of useful and advantageous functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all. It must be stressed that operational features do not guarantee a software's legitimacy or safety.
How did Appendix.app install on my computer?
"Bundling" – a marketing technique that involves packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware.
Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking "official" download pages and scam sites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive advertisements. Once clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, explore possible options, use the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, tools, extensions, etc.
We advise being vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Appendix.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
When removing Appendix.app, it is important to check these folders for its components (the filenames may differ in each folder, yet every single one should contain "Appendix.app"):
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/LaunchDaemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents
- /Library/StartupItems
Pop-up window displayed when Appendix.app adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"Appendix.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
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Quick menu:
- What is Appendix.app?
- STEP 1. Remove Appendix.app related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove Appendix.app ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove Appendix.app adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove Appendix.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
Appendix.app adware removal:
Remove Appendix.app-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 displays ads that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device may diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically has data-tracking abilities – therefore, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It displays advertisements on various interfaces. Additionally, some types are also capable of force-opening websites and gathering sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue by promoting various sites, products, applications, browser extensions, services, and so forth. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, product purchases, file downloads, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove Appendix.app adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate installed adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (performed without security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, various file remnants stay hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. Furthermore, these components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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