How to remove iTerm2 (Mac)

What is iTerm2

iTerm2 is a popular terminal emulator designed for macOS, providing advanced features like split panes, session restoration, and extensive customization options. However, the trojanized version of iTerm2 malware functions as a backdoor, surreptitiously installing additional malicious software onto the system. This fake application can significantly compromise the device, leading to severe privacy breaches, data theft, and financial losses. Once installed, the malware can exfiltrate sensitive information, monitor user activities, and even grant remote access to cybercriminals. Consequently, affected systems may experience degraded performance, unauthorized data transmission, and potentially, identity theft. Users are advised to download software exclusively from verified sources to avoid such infections. Employing robust antivirus solutions is also essential to detect and eliminate this and similar threats effectively.

How iTerm2 infected your system

iTerm2 malware infects computers by masquerading as the legitimate iTerm2 terminal emulator, commonly used by macOS users. Cybercriminals distribute this trojanized version through deceptive websites that closely mimic the official iTerm2 site, often appearing as sponsored results on search engines or through intrusive online ads. Once the fake application is downloaded and installed, it injects malicious code into the system, which can open backdoors for additional malware such as ransomware, cryptominers, or other trojans. This malicious software operates stealthily, often without obvious symptoms, making detection difficult for the average user. Infection is further facilitated by social engineering tactics, such as phishing emails and malicious software “cracks,” which trick users into unwittingly compromising their systems. To avoid such infections, it is crucial to download software only from official sources, maintain up-to-date antivirus software, and exercise caution when encountering unsolicited emails and suspicious websites.

Remove iTerm2 from macOS manually

Removing iTerm2 from macOS requires a systematic approach that involves a combination of built-in tools, safe computing practices, and sometimes third-party software. Here’s a comprehensive guide to identifying and removing viruses from your Mac, ensuring your system’s integrity and security.

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Disconnect your Mac from the Internet. This prevents the virus from sending data to its creator or downloading more malicious software. Turn off Wi-Fi and unplug any Ethernet cables.

Step 2: Enter Safe Mode

2. Restart your Mac in Safe Mode. Safe Mode performs a check of your startup disk and restricts certain software from automatically loading or opening.
   • For Intel-based Macs: Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window.
   • For Apple Silicon Macs: Turn off your Mac, press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window, select your startup disk, press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Use Built-in Tools for Malware Removal

3. Use Finder to identify and remove suspicious applications.
   • Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, and look for any applications you don’t recognize or didn’t intentionally download.
   • Right-click the suspicious application and select Move to Trash, then empty the Trash.
4. Use macOS built-in malware removal tool (MRT). macOS automatically runs MRT in the background, but you can manually run a malware scan by updating your software.
   • Go to System Preferences > Software Update.
   • Install any available updates, as these often include the latest security improvements and malware definitions.

Step 4: Check and remove iTerm2 from Login Items

Note: iTerm2 may set up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find suspicious entries. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove them.

Step 5: Check and remove iTerm2 Malicious Device Profile

Important update: iTerm2 can install malicious Device Profile called AdminPrefs or similarly on MacOS, that won’t allow users to make changes to browser search engine and homepage settings. Follow instructions below to remove this profile.

Remove iTerm2 profile

1. Go to System Preferences and click on Profiles.
2. In the list of profiles on the left side, choose AdminPrefs or other profile and click on “-” button to remove it.
3. In your case it can be named differently, in this case remove all visible profiles. Check the picture below to see how it looks like.

Step 6: Reset Your Web Browsers

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Step 7: Restore from a Backup

8. If the issue persists, consider restoring your Mac from a backup.
   • Use Time Machine or another backup system to restore your Mac to a state before it was infected.
   • Ensure the backup you choose predates the malware infection.

Prevention Tips

• Keep your macOS updated. Regularly check for and install macOS updates to ensure you have the latest security patches.
• Be cautious with downloads and attachments. Only download software from trusted sources like the Mac App Store or official websites.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
• Consider enabling the macOS firewall in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
• Regularly back up your Mac using Time Machine or another backup solution to ensure you can recover your system if needed.

Following these steps should help you remove most viruses from your Mac. If you continue to experience issues, consider seeking help from Apple Support or a professional cybersecurity service.