How to remove MiniRAT from infected macOS

What is MiniRAT?

MiniRAT is a type of malware known as a remote access Trojan (RAT) that targets macOS systems. It is designed to give attackers control over an infected device. This threat is written in the Go programming language and is designed to stay hidden. It can detect if it is being analyzed in a virtual machine and avoid running to prevent detection.

MiniRAT overview

Once a device is infected with MiniRAT, the malware creates a persistence mechanism using macOS LaunchAgents, allowing it to start automatically every time the device is turned on. MiniRAT also uses encryption (AES) to hide its communication with a remote server controlled by threat actors. This makes it harder for security tools to detect what data is being sent or received.

Also, MiniRAT checks if it is running in a virtual machine or sandbox. It can detect Oracle, Parallels, VMware, and VirtualBox tools. If it detects such an environment, it stops running to avoid analysis. After that, the RAT collects system details such as the username, computer name, macOS version, CPU information, public IP address, and location data.

MiniRAT regularly contacts its command-and-control (C2) server to receive instructions and send updates. Supported commands allow the malware to send files from the victim's device to cybercriminals, run shell commands on the system, and download files to the device.

Additionally, MiniRAT keeps a log of its activity on the infected system. It writes details about what it is doing into a log file, which is stored in a temporary system folder. This folder is usually hidden deep in macOS directories. With MiniRAT, threat actors can steal sensitive data (files, system information, and possibly credentials), deliver additional payloads, and perform other malicious actions.

Conclusion

MiniRAT is a macOS malware that gives attackers remote control over infected devices. It can stay active after restarts and avoid detection using various evasion techniques. The malware collects system data and allows cybercriminals to run commands or steal files. Overall, it poses a serious risk to privacy and security.

More examples of malware targeting macOS systems are Overlord, Infiniti, and notnullOSX.

How did MiniRAT infiltrate my device?

It is known that MiniRAT is distributed through a malicious package named "velora-dex-sdk". This package pretends to be related to @velora-dex/sdk, a legitimate software development kit used for a decentralized exchange. Cybercriminals use it to trick users into installing the fake version.

Once installed, the malicious package silently installs the MiniRAT malware on the system.

How to avoid malware?

Be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking links, especially if the message is unexpected, irrelevant, or from an unknown sender. Avoid interacting with pop-ups, ads, or suspicious links when on shady websites.

Download software from official websites or app stores, and stay away from pirated programs, cracks, or key generators. Keep your operating system and applications up to date, and regularly scan your device using reliable antivirus or anti-malware tools. If your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate all threats.

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 MiniRAT?
• STEP 1. Remove MiniRAT 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:

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

This method ensures MiniRAT is completely removed, but it also erases all data on the device. It is usually better to try a trusted tool like Combo Cleaner first before choosing this step.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malicious software can operate in various ways. It may be used to steal sensitive data, deploy additional unwanted programs, encrypt files, or for other malicious purposes. Victims may encounter issues like data loss, identity theft, financial loss, and additional infections.

What is the purpose of MiniRAT?

Its main purpose is to collect system information, maintain persistent access, and communicate with a command-and-control server. It allows attackers to execute commands, steal files, and deploy additional payloads.

How did MiniRAT infiltrate my device?

It is distributed via a malicious npm package called velora-dex-sdk, which is made to look like a legitimate developer tool for a decentralized exchange. MiniRAT infects devices after running the malicious package.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most known threats. However, some advanced malware may hide within the system and avoid detection. Because of this, performing a full system scan is important.