How to remove Miolab from infected macOS

What kind of malware is Miolab?

Miolab (also known as Nova) is an information stealer targeting macOS users. It is sold to cybercriminals via hacker forums using the Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) model. Miolab can steal information from cryptocurrency wallet extensions, web browsers, and various managers, and can grab files from infected devices. If detected, Miolab should be removed immediately.

Miolab overview

Miolab is not a simple stealer because it includes a control panel and tools for managing attacks. Because of this setup, even attackers with little technical skill can use it to carry out more advanced attacks. The malware is designed to be small, fast, and hard to detect.

It uses a lightweight and optimized file, which makes it easier to spread and helps it avoid detection. It is also built to work reliably on different macOS devices, so it can run on many types of Apple computers.

Miolab's control panel allows operators to view and organize information about victims, such as where they are from and what data was stolen. The panel also includes a tool that can reuse stolen Google login sessions, allowing attackers to access accounts without passwords or 2FA.

Moreover, it allows cybercriminals to set up malicious websites or distribution pages and perform ClickFix-style attacks, receive instant alerts via Telegram, and automate tasks.

Targeted information

Miolab can steal data stored in web browsers. It can collect saved passwords, cookies, browsing history, and autofill information like emails or addresses. It can also steal Google authentication tokens and Safari cookies. The malware targets the most popular browsers, including Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

Other targeted browsers include Arc, Brave Browser, Librewolf, Opera and Opera GX, SeaMonkey, Tor Browser, Vivaldi, Waterfox, Yandex, and Coc Coc. In addition to stealing information from within browsers, Miolab extracts data (mainly .dat, .key, and .keys files) from over 200 crypto wallet browser extensions.

Targeted crypto-related extensions include Atomic Wallet, Binance, Bitcoin, DashCore, Dogecoin, Electrum, Exodus, Guarda, Litecoin, Monero, Tonkeeper, and Wasabi Wallet. Miolab also steals data (24-word recovery seed phrases) from apps used to manage hardware crypto wallets, such as Ledger Live, Ledger Wallet, and Trezor Suite.

Furthermore, the stealer can access information in messaging and note apps. It can steal active login sessions from apps like Telegram and Discord, allowing attackers to take over accounts without a password. It also checks Apple Notes, where some users may accidentally store sensitive information like passwords or crypto recovery phrases.

Once the information is collected, Miolab compresses it into a ZIP archive and sends it to the attacker via HTTP. After transferring data, Miolab displays a fake macOS error message stating that the application cannot run.

Targeted information

Miolab is malware that targets macOS devices and steals sensitive information from them. It uses tools that help attackers easily manage and carry out their activities. Victims of these attacks may experience issues like financial loss, account hijacking, identity theft, reputational damage, and even additional infections.

More examples of malware targeting macOS are SHub, Phexia, and NovaStealer.

How did Miolab infiltrate my device?

Miolab is delivered using social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals use fake macOS applications packaged in disk image (.DMG) files that appear to be legitimate software or useful tools. These files are often disguised with convincing names, icons, and installation screens to trick users into opening them.

When the malware is run, it first displays a fake installation screen that prompts the user to right-click and select "Open" to start it. After it starts, it tries to stop the Terminal app, so the user cannot easily check what is happening. Then it shows a fake system password prompt using macOS tools, tricking the user into typing their password.

The malware then checks whether the password is correct and gathers information about the Mac, such as hardware details and software configuration. Next, it examines Desktop, Documents, and Downloads folders and looks for files such as documents, spreadsheets, PDFs, and password-related files.

Finally, the user may see a permission pop-up asking for access to files, while the malware quietly collects everything in the background and prepares it for theft.

How to avoid system infections?

Be careful with emails or messages from unknown senders, and do not open attachments or click links unless you are sure they are safe. Keep your operating system and apps up to date, and download software only from official websites or trusted app stores.

Avoid suspicious ads, pop-ups, and unknown links, especially on untrusted websites, and do not allow notifications from unsafe pages. Use trusted security tools to regularly scan your device and help detect or remove possible threats.

If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.

Installer used to distribute Miolab (source: levelblue.com):

Administration panel (source: levelblue):

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:

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 Miolab?
• Remove Miolab related files and folders from OSX.

Unwanted applications removal:

Remove 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My device is infected with Miolab malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Wiping a device can fully remove malware, but it will also erase all data if nothing has been backed up. Before doing a reset, it is better to try removing Miolab with a trusted security tool like Combo Cleaner.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can cause serious issues, including stealing personal information, leading to identity theft or financial loss. It may also damage or delete important files on a device and provide cybercriminals with remote access.

What is the purpose of Miolab?

Miolab is designed to collect information like browser data (cookies, passwords, session tokens), crypto wallet information, files from the system, and data from apps such as messaging tools and notes.

How did Miolab infiltrate my device?

Miolab is delivered through fake macOS applications hidden in .DMG files. When opened, it shows a fake installation screen, stops Terminal, and tricks the user into entering their password through a fake prompt. After that, it infiltrates the system and starts collecting data.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is able to find and remove many known types of malware. However, more advanced threats can sometimes hide within the system. Because of this, it is important to perform a full system scan to ensure all infections are detected and removed.