This article has been created to explain what is the OSX/MaMi malware and how you can remove it effectively from your Mac.
SIDENOTE: This post was originally published in August 2018. But we gave it an update in August 2019.
A new virus for MacOS has been detected by cyber-security experts, calling itself OSX/MaMi. The malware aims to create multiple different man-in-themiddle attacks via DNS and It also has the capability of modifying and installing a root CA certificate on the infected Mac. The virus may also perform series of activities among which may be the causing of browser redirections and information theft. In order to remove the OSX/MaMi virus from your Mac, we recommend that you read this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
| Name | OSX/MaMi |
| Type | Malware for Mac OS |
| Short Description | Aims to perform a variety of attacks on the compromised Mac by it and may also steal important information. |
| Symptoms | You may start seeing redirects on your browser and your DNS settings may be changed. |
| Distribution Method | Via malicious files and URLs. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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SpyHunter
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss OSX/MaMi. |
OSX/MaMi Virus – How Did I Get It
The primary methods by which the OSX/MaMi virus has been detected by security experts to be spread is believed to be via spammed URLs that may cause a drive-by download which could ultimately lead to the infection. These URLs may be caused if you have clicked on an add from a low-reputation website or even as a result of having adware to be installed on your Mac.
But this may not be the only scenario in which an infection by OSX/MaMi could unfold. The virus may also be sent to you in the form of a seemingly important e-mail attachment, in an e-mail that seems to be coming from a reputable company, like FedEx, DHL, PayPal or even your own bank. These e-mails often contain the infection files of viruses, like OSX/MaMi and these files may pose as:
- Invoices.
- Receipts for orders.
- Reports for security problem with your account.
OSX/MaMi – More Information
Once having infected your Mac, the OSX/MaMi virus may install a root CA certificat, allowing it to obtain different information directly from your Mac. We do not know for sure what this information is, but it may be the following:
- The keystrokes you type.
- Files saved on your Mac.
- Passwords that may be saved.
- Your unlock code or other codes.
- Your financial information.
- Your browsing details.
- System data of your Mac.
- What apps may be installed.
This information may then be transferred to the C2 server of the OSX/MaMi virus with the main goal of stealing it.
Another activity which is done by the OSX/MaMi virus is to change your DNS address to perform man-in-the-middle attacks. This may bring a world of problems to your Mac, because it’s outcome may be the severe infection of your Mac with all sorts of other viruses. It is strongly advisable if you encounter any of the changed settings we described in this article to immediately locate and remove all the objects, related and belonging to OSX/MaMi from your Mac, before it is too late.
Remove OSX/MaMi from Your Mac
If you wish to remove the OSX/MaMi malware from your Mac effectively, you may search for it and manually uninstall it. But OSX/MaMi rarely pretends to be an app and this is why you should follow the advice which most cyber-sec experts give to malware victims and run a scan of your Mac, using an advanced anti-malware scanner. Such tool is capable of detecting the OSX/MaMi malware from the roots and removing it completely while also making sure that your Mac stays protected against such viruses in the future as well.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove OSX/MaMi files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as OSX/MaMi, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall OSX/MaMi and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to OSX/MaMi:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to OSX/MaMi. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to OSX/MaMi. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove OSX/MaMi via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as OSX/MaMi. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove OSX/MaMi – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
OSX/MaMi-FAQ
What is OSX/MaMi on your Mac?
The OSX/MaMi threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like OSX/MaMi?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from OSX/MaMi?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the OSX/MaMi Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this OSX/MaMi how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on OSX/MaMi?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the OSX/MaMi threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.