How to remove XcodeSpy from Mac

Complete tips to delete XcodeSpy

XcodeSpy is malware that targets Apple systems. It is distributed through Trojanized  Xcode projects . As per researchers, these projects include feature of animating the iOS Tab Bar. The malicious code that this malware is using is likely to be hidden and launched in any third-party Xcode project. The malware allows recording audios using microphone, videos using camera and keystroke inputs. Also, it can upload and download files of its choice.

As stated, the malware is distributed through Run Script feature in Xcode IDE. When the Trojanized Xcode project is launched, XcodeSpy installs EggShell backdoor by the help of which the attackers behind it record audios using microphone, videos using camera and log keystrokes and it is easy for them to upload and download files as well. This is common practice among crooks worldwide to use the recorded audios and videos in blackmailing purposes.

Quite often, crooks threaten the people to provide certain amount of money to avoid the recorded personal audios and videos being publicized. The collected data using keystrokes include the usernames, email addresses, passwords, banking details, credit card info, and social security numbers and so on. These data could be used in stealing online accounts, identities and in doing some fraudulent purchases and transactions and other malicious purposes. Also, these data could be shared with and/or sold to third parties/ potent crooks.

The feature to download/ install files stored allows XcodeSpy’s authors to spread additional malware to the compromised system. They can install the malware like Ransomware, worm, spyware and other serious computer infection and create a malware hub on the system and soon lead to the wrest havoc on it. Since the malware is distributed through Xcode projects by abusing the Run Script feature, Apple developers require checking the third-party Xcode projects for malicious Run scripts before adopting them. As a user, if you have doubt the malware is running inside; employ a powerful tool to delete XcodeSpy as soon as possible.

How did XcodeSpy infiltrate my computer?

The malicious Xcode Projects used to spread XcodeSpy malware might be available on Github, the code hosting program. Other than this, the crooks may use mal-spam campaigns, fake software updates, software cracking tools, certain Trojans and various unreliable sources for downloading such programs. The questionable sources include p2p networks, free file hosting sites and third party downloaders/ installers.

How to prevent malware intrusion?

What the users can do to avoid infection is to being cautious during net surfing. It is required relying only on official websites and direct links for any software download. In case of project from someone else, ensure if the source is reliable. Update and activate installed software using official developers’ tools/ functions only. Never use any third party, unofficial tools neither to update nor activate the software. Such tools are malicious and also it is not legal to use these tools to activate licensed software.

Additionally, it is required not trusting any irrelevant emails received from suspicious, unknown senders. These emails contain attachments, website links often to distribute malware. Try not to open such attachments anyhow. Remember, the emails are always disguised as are coming from legit and reputable organizations. Do not fall for the scam- these are just a trick to trigger you clicking on the provided malware laden attachments.

Remove Files and Folders Related to XcodeSpy

Open the “Menu” bar and click the “Finder” icon. Select “Go” and click on “Go to Folder…”

Step 1: Search the suspicious and doubtful malware generated files in /Library/LaunchAgents folder

Type /Library/LaunchAgents in the “Go to Folder” option

In the “Launch Agent” folder, search for all the files that you have recently downloaded and move them to “Trash”. Few of the examples of files created by browser-hijacker or adware are as follow, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.Itvbit.plist”, installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, and “kuklorest.update.plist” and so on.

Step 2: Detect and remove the files generated by the adware in “/Library/Application” Support folder

In the “Go to Folder..bar”, type “/Library/Application Support”

Search for any suspicious newly added folders in “Application Support” folder. If you detect any one of these like “NicePlayer” or “MPlayerX” then send them to “Trash” folder.

Step 3: Look for the files generated by malware in /Library/LaunchAgent Folder:

Go to Folder bar and type /Library/LaunchAgents

You are in the “LaunchAgents” folder. Here, you have to search for all the newly added files and move them to “Trash” if you find them suspicious. Some of the examples of suspicious files generated by malware are “myppes.download.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoved.plist”, “kuklorest.update.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist” and so on.

Step4: Go to /Library/LaunchDaemons Folder and search for the files created by malware

Type /Library/LaunchDaemons in the “Go To Folder” option

In the newly opened “LaunchDaemons” folder, search for any recently added suspicious files and move them to “Trash”. Examples of some of the suspicious files are “com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist”, “com.avickUpd.plist”, “com.myppes.net-preference.plist”, “com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist” and so on.

Step 5: Use Combo Cleaner Anti-Malware and Scan your Mac PC

The malware infections could be removed from the Mac PC if you execute all the steps mentioned above in the correct way. However, it is always advised to be sure that your PC is not infected. It is suggested to scan the work-station with “Combo Cleaner Anti-virus”.

Once the file gets downloaded, double click on combocleaner.dmg installer in the newly opened window. Next is to open the “Launchpad” and press on “Combo Cleaner” icon. It is advised to wait until “Combo Cleaner” updates the latest definition for malware detection. Click on “Start Combo Scan” button.

A depth scan of your Mac PC will be executed in order to detect malware. If the Anti-virus scan report says “no threat found” then you can continue with guide further. On the other hand, it is recommended to delete the detected malware infection before continuing.

Now the files and folders created by the adware is removed, you have to remove the rogue extensions from the browsers.

Remove XcodeSpy from Internet Browsers

Delete Doubtful and Malicious Extension from Safari

Go to “Menu Bar” and open “Safari” browser. Select “Safari” and then “Preferences”

In the opened “preferences” window, select “Extensions” that you have recently installed. All such extensions should be detected and click the “Uninstall” button next to it. If you are doubtful then you can remove all the extensions from “Safari” browser as none of them are important for smooth functionality of the browser.

In case if you continue facing unwanted webpage redirections or aggressive advertisements bombarding, you can reset the “Safari” browser.

“Reset Safari”

Open the Safari menu and choose “preferences…” from the drop-down menu.

Go to the “Extension” tab and set the extension slider to “Off” position. This disables all the installed extensions in the Safari browser

Next step is to check the homepage. Go to “Preferences…” option and choose “General” tab. Change the homepage to your preferred URL.

Also check the default search-engine provider settings. Go to “Preferences…” window and select the “Search” tab and select the search-engine provider that you want such as “Google”.

Next is to clear the Safari browser Cache- Go to “Preferences…” window and select “Advanced” tab and click on “Show develop menu in the menu bar.“

Go to “Develop” menu and select “Empty Caches”.

Remove website data and browsing history. Go to “Safari” menu and select “Clear History and Website Data”. Choose “all history” and then click on “Clear History”.

Remove Unwanted and Malicious Plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox

Delete XcodeSpy add-ons from Mozilla Firefox

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser. Click on the “Open Menu” present in the top right corner of the screen. From the newly opened menu, choose “Add-ons”.

Go to “Extension” option and detect all the latest installed add-ons. Select each of the suspicious add-ons and click on “Remove” button next to them.

In case if you want to “reset” the Mozilla Firefox browser then follow the steps that has been mentioned below.

Reset Mozilla Firefox Settings

Open the Firefox Mozilla browser and click on “Firefox” button situated at the top left corner of the screen.

In the new menu, go to “Help” sub-menu and choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click on “Reset Firefox” button.

Confirm that you want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to default by pressing on “Reset Firefox” option

The browser will get restarted and the settings changes to factory default

Delete Unwanted and Malicious Extensions from Google Chrome

Open the chrome browser and click on “Chrome menu”. From the drop down option, choose “More Tools” and then “Extensions”.

In the “Extensions” option, search for all the recently installed add-ons and extensions. Select them and choose “Trash” button. Any third-party extension is not important for the smooth functionality of the browser.

Reset Google Chrome Settings

Open the browser and click on three line bar at the top right side corner of the window.

Go to the bottom of the newly opened window and select “Show advanced settings”.

In the newly opened window, scroll down to the bottom and choose “Reset browser settings”

Click on the “Reset” button on the opened “Reset browser settings” window

Restart the browser and the changes you get will be applied

The above mentioned manual process should be executed as it is mentioned. It is a cumbersome process and requires a lot of technical expertise. And hence it is advised for technical experts only. To be sure that your PC is free from malware, it is better that you scan the work-station with a powerful anti-malware tool. The automatic malware removal application is preferred because it doesn’t requires any additional technical skills and expertise.

Download the application and execute it on the PC to begin the depth scanning. Once the scanning gets completed, it shows the list of all the files related to XcodeSpy. You can select such harmful files and folders and remove them immediately.