Unrented.app Adware (Mac)

What kind of application is Unrented.app?

Unrented.app is a rogue application discovered by our researchers during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. After analyzing this app, we learned that it is advertising-supported software from the Pirrit adware family.

Unrented.app adware detections on VirusTotal

Unrented.app adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. In most cases, programs of this kind work by displaying ads on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces. Certain conditions may be necessary for adware to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). Regardless of whether Unrented.app delivers advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.

Adware-displayed adverts promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It is noteworthy that adware-type applications commonly exhibit browser-hijacking abilities, but we did not observe these functionalities while analyzing Unrented.app.

Additionally, advertising-supported software usually collects sensitive user data, and this might be true of Unrented.app. 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 then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.

To summarize, the presence of software like Unrented.app on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name	Ads by Unrented.app
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Agent-AJH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Pirrit.9), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Pirrit.CV), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:Downloader.OSX.Pirrit.g), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information	This application belongs to the Pirrit adware 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 (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Adware examples

We have written about numerous adware-type apps; OperativeNavigation, Ribbon.app, SatelliteDiscovery, and Member.app are merely a few of our newest articles. Advertising-supported software tends to look harmless and offer "useful" features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be emphasized 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 Unrented.app install on my computer?

"Bundling" – packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware. These installation setups can be downloaded from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.). The risk of allowing bundled content into the system is furthered by rushing through installations (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps, using "Custom/Advanced" settings, etc.).

Additionally, advertising-supported software is proliferated by intrusive ads. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

This software is also promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most users access these webpages via redirects caused by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, and adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be approached with care, e.g., by reading terms, exploring available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, etc.

We advise vigilance when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, while intrusive ads may look innocuous – they redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Unrented.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

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

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

Text presented in this pop-up:

"Unrented.app" will damage your computer.

This file was downloaded on an unknown date.

Ok
Show in Finder

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner

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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

What is Unrented.app?
STEP 1. Remove Unrented.app related files and folders from OSX.
STEP 2. Remove Unrented.app ads from Safari.
STEP 3. Remove Unrented.app adware from Google Chrome.
STEP 4. Remove Unrented.app ads from Mozilla Firefox.

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

Unrented.app adware removal:

Remove Unrented.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.

DOWNLOAD remover for malware infections

Combo Cleaner checks if your computer is infected with malware. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

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 1 Check 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 2 Check 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 3 Check 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

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4 Check 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 5 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.

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

Remove 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.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

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

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

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".

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?

Adware-delivered ads promote content that can cause serious problems, including system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses. The software's presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. Some types can also cause redirects and collect private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by promoting various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Unrented.app adware?

Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove detected adware-type apps. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, after the adware has been manually removed – various file remnants can stay hidden within the system. These components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.