Mac owners who have recently downloaded Elmedia Player or Folx from Eltima Software may have unwittingly installed malware on their machines, reports ZDNet.

Downloads of Folx and Elmedia player were infected with Proton, a Remote Access Trojan, after Eltima's servers were hacked. The Proton backdoor lets attackers access browser information, keylogs, usernames, passwords, macOS keychain data, and more.

elmediaplayer

In an email to ZDNet, an Eltima spokesperson said that the malware was distributed with downloads as a result of their servers being "hacked" after attackers "used a security breach in the tiny_mce JavaScript library on our server."

The compromised software was discovered on October 19, and customers who downloaded software from Eltima on that date before 3:15 p.m. Eastern Time may be affected by the malware. The following files will be found on an infected system:

- /tmp/Updater.app/
- /Library/LaunchAgents/com.Eltima.UpdaterAgent.plist
- /Library/.rand/
- /Library/.rand/updateragent.app/

Apple and Eltima have disabled the developer ID that was used to sign the Proton-infected software bundle, and Eltima is working with Apple to figure out what happened.

Anyone who was impacted by the malware will need to reinstall macOS to get rid of it. Eltima says it has taken action to prevent against further attacks and improve its server security. Clean versions of Elmedia Player and Folx are now available from the Eltima website.

Top Rated Comments

109 months ago
Anyone who was impacted by the malware will need to reinstall macOS to get rid of it.
That is a heck of a removal procedure. Is there really no way to purge this without a full OS reinstall?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
109 months ago
Since I already suspected Eltima of being some agency outlet, since their software portfolio seems too good and diverse to be true and with deep roots into the system and network level while regularly lacking the last bit of polish, I am not surprised. :cool:

So I guess they are just checking out Apple‘s internal procedures for further infiltration now. :eek:

Of course, if they‘re not the dark hats themselves, they are a perfect target due the same reasons...

But then their strange office address...

Ah, have to hide...

</tinfoil>
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
109 months ago
Clean versions of Elmedia Player and Folx are now available from the Eltima website.
optimistic thinking. No one’s downloading this anymore even if it’s fixed.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MH01 Avatar
109 months ago
I had Transmission, their servers got infected.
I had Handbrake, their servers got infected.
I was trying out Elmedia Player, their servers got infected.

.. This is why I only use AppStore apps now. Apple's vetting may not be 100% accurate, but at least they have a vetting process.

Luckily my needs are not very complicated, so I can usually find alternatives on the AppStore.
Please tell us what other software you use :p
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
msandersen Avatar
109 months ago
A timely reminder for me to do a complete system backup with Carbon Copy Cloner, which I was gonna do anyway before upgrading my system. Of course, if I had been infected, it would have been too late, if the only remedy is to reinstall. Drastic measure. At least, once done, you have a clean bootable system to revert to.
[doublepost=1508539800][/doublepost]
That is a heck of a removal procedure. Is there really no way to purge this without a full OS reinstall?
Presumably since this is a Trojan backdoor, not only can they control your system remotely, stealing your passwords, files etc, but they can install anything anywhere they want, and you have no way of knowing what, hence a clean install is the only way to be sure.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
109 months ago
Anyone who was impacted by the malware will need to reinstall macOS to get rid of it.
That is a heck of a removal procedure. Is there really no way to purge this without a full OS reinstall?
No kidding. I think that's a bit extreme, too. Likely just removing the files and restarting is enough, unless the infection is deeper.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iphone 16 apple intelligence

Apple Aiming to Release 'Breakthrough' New iPhone Accessory

Wednesday February 18, 2026 12:43 pm PST by
Apple is looking for a "breakthrough" with its push into wearable AI devices, including an "AirTag-sized pendant," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, he said the pendant is reminiscent of the failed Humane AI Pin, but it would be an iPhone accessory rather than a standalone product. The pendant would feature an "always-on" camera and a microphone for Siri voice...
Apple Watch 15 Tips Every Owner Needs to Know Feature

Apple Watch: 15 Tips Every Owner Needs to Know

Thursday February 19, 2026 7:38 am PST by
Apple Watch is now eleven generations in, and packed with useful features that are easy to miss at first glance. To help you get more out of your new device, we've rounded up 15 practical tips you might not have discovered yet, including a few that long-time users often overlook. Bounce Between Two Apps On your Apple Watch, double-press the Digital Crown to see a deck of all currently...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

10 Reasons to Wait for Apple's iPhone 18 Pro

Wednesday February 18, 2026 5:12 am PST by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models at the same time, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 18 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth...
maxresdefault

iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple's Foldable

Friday February 20, 2026 3:21 am PST by
Apple is expected to launch a new foldable iPhone this year, based on multiple rumors and credible sources. The long-awaited device has been rumored for years now, but signs increasingly suggest that Apple will release its first foldable device in 2026. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Below, we've collated an updated set of key details that have been leaked about ...
Multicolored Low Cost A18 Pro MacBook Feature

Low-Cost MacBook Expected on March 4 in These Colors

Wednesday February 18, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple will announce its rumored low-cost MacBook at its event on March 4, with the device coming in a selection of bold color options, according to a known leaker. Earlier this week, Apple announced a "special Apple Experience" for the media in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Posting on Weibo, the leaker known as "Instant Digital" said that the...