Anyone else had malware through videodownloadhelper?
I used the add-on for years, but after 4 different malware infections decided to do some research. I had always check my installed add-ons to make sure nothing was out of order.
Then, one of the many pages I read, mentioned 'downloadhelper' as one of the extensions that has been identified as allowing malware to download through it.
I left a review on the videodownloadhelper add-on page to say so, but it was 'deleted', and the developer said I was accusing the add-on of having ad-ware. I never said the add-on has ad-ware. I'm saying, download the add-on and wait... It randomly, and without permission downloads ad-ware at odd intervals/times/dates.
Miraculously (all) your browser(s) start showing ads regarding all kinds of stuff. I think the developer knows its difficult to pin his add-on for this, but ever since I have removed the add-on, my PC has been completely clean.
I wish one of the Mozilla staff would download that add-on and let it sit in their browser for a month or two - and then see for themselves that their PC starts getting infected with malware like superfish, offerswizard, networksystemdriver and other unwanted stuff.
Btw, if you do have one of the malware mentioned above, this page (amongst many others) may help http://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/7941-offerswizard-virus
All Replies (3)
You might want to post this on the forum of the Add-ons site. Here, it's useful for historical reference, but over there, someone might take action on it.
Any download related extension can download files that contain malware as a lot of malware will disguise it self and try to seduce you with making promises. You can also download files easily yourself when clicking a link and you aren't paying attention It is always up to you to be cautious about downloading files and make sure that your AV software is up to date.
"Add-ons" from the official Addons.Mozilla.Org website are safe from Malware. If one does slip thru the screening process via an update to an existing add-on, it usually takes little more than making a report to the Addons Support website and an investigation for the add-on to be blocked by Mozilla. http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/blocklist/
True Extensions are packaged in an XPI file, which is unique to Mozilla-based software.
You need to be especially cautious of so-called Firefox addons from elsewhere that come in an "executable" EXE package. Once you launch that EXE it can do almost anything it wants to on your Windows PC; it can install a Firefox add-on as expected, but as long as your anti-virus application doesn't object, it can install anything it wants to install - like adware or malware.
Best advice I can offer is to investigate anything that you want to install, until you are satisfied it is "clean". Then wait a few days before deciding to install it and spend a little more time looking for negative reviews; then think about installing it.
Oh, and one last thing - it it's "free" stop and ask yourself "how do they earn a living?" - "do they get paid for installing malicious software, so they can eat and keep a roof over their head?"