#Is mackeeper legitimate and safe software#
#Is mackeeper legitimate and safe code#

MacKeeper’s ReactionĪfter the reveal of this vulnerability, MacKeeper have contacted Brandon Thomas for further information. This includes manipulating dialog boxes that appear.

#Is mackeeper legitimate and safe code#

Basically, these custom URLs contain code that can mess with MacKeeper. This can allow arbitrary commands to be run as root. The vulnerability is a result of “a serious flaw in the way MacKeeper handles custom URLs that allows arbitrary commands to be run as root,” as SecureMac reports.

Then, it will most likely start causing havoc on your system or target your sensitive information. Upon entering the password, you will be executing the malware with admin rights. If you have not logged in with your MacKeeper, it will ask for a username, as well. Sounds like MacKeeper is doing its job, right? However, the dialog box will also want you to enter a password. If users do click on this URL, a dialogue box will appear that informs them that a malware attack is taking place. The Attack Explainedįirst, users will receive a phishing email that contains a malicious link. Later, BAE Systems reported that the very same vulnerability had been used by attackers.

#Is mackeeper legitimate and safe software#

Such tactics are very often used by unreliable software that does not provide any services at all, and only receives money from users.Īs for the vulnerability itself, it was discovered by Brandon Thomas, a virtual security researcher. This is just to get users to purchase a license. So users thought they were downloading one program and instead got MacKeeper.Īnother thing that has been cleared out is that MacKeeper shows alerts even on fresh Macs. Also, for a time, it used to be advertised as another program. It has been reported that there a great amount of fake reviews posted about the program. This is mainly because of its marketing and distribution tactics. There has been a real uproar, however, whether this is a legitimate and useful program. The companies claim that they have had over 20 million downloads for the program in the last five years.

The program has been developed by the Ukraine-based company ZeoBIT and is currently distributed by Kromtech Alliance Corp.

The services it provides include: safe browsing, anti-virus, cleaning junk files, tracking your Mac if you happen to lose it or it gets stolen among others.