Marmose.app Adware (Mac)

What kind of application is Marmose.app?

Our research team found Marmose.app while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal site. After examining this rogue application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software from the Pirrit adware family.

Marmose.app adware detections on VirusTotal

Marmose.app adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Its purpose is to generate revenue for the developers/publishers through advertising. Usually, adware works by displaying third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces, such as visited websites, desktops, or others.

However, certain conditions may be necessary for the software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). Even if Marmose.app does not deliver adverts – the app remains a threat to device and user safety.

Adware-displayed ads can promote scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern, as some of the advertisements can carry them out upon being clicked. Note that any genuine content encountered via these adverts is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.

It is noteworthy that Mac-specific advertising-supported software often has browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe them while analyzing Marmose.app.

Additionally, adware typically has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to Marmose.app. Software of this kind can target browsing and search engine histories, browser cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable information, and finance-related data. This vulnerable information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, advertising-supported software is linked to the following threats – system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name	Ads by Marmose.app
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:Pirrit-CH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Pirrit.KF), 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 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 (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 applications; Bushbeater.app, Iridiophore.app, and Bobwhite.app are merely a few of our latest articles. Usually, advertising-supported software looks legitimate and offers useful functionalities. However, its features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not guarantee legitimacy or safety.

How did Marmose.app install on my computer?

Adware is proliferated using the bundling marketing method, which involves packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions. These setups can be downloaded from freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other suspicious sources.

The risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system is increased by inattentiveness when installing, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.

Furthermore, adware is promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam sites. Most visitors access these webpages via redirects generated by intrusive adverts, websites that employ rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open sites).

Intrusive advertisements spread advertising-supported software directly as well. Some of these ads can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly advise researching software prior to downloading or purchasing. All downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplements (e.g., apps, extensions, tools, etc.).

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. For example, despite their innocuous appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

Should you keep encountering advertisements/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with Marmose.app, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

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

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

Text presented in this pop-up:

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

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

Marmose.app adware removal:

Remove Marmose.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?

Serious threats are posed by the content endorsed through adware-delivered ads, including system infections, privacy issues, and financial losses. The presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Additionally, adware tends to have data-tracking abilities – hence, it is considered a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware usually operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns in the form of third-party graphical content (ads) displayed on various interfaces. Some adware types are also capable of force-opening websites and collecting private information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion, and most of the profit originates from affiliate programs. The developers/publishers may earn commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove Marmose.app adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. After the adware has been manually removed – various leftover files can stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants might continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.