Do not trust fake pop-ups asking access to your Download folder

What is the "Terminal would like to access files in your Download folder" message?

Despite its close resemblance to legitimate system messages, "Terminal would like to access files in your Download folder" is a fake pop-up.

This window asks to allow "Terminal" access to the "Download" folder. You are strongly advised against permitting dubious software access to any preferences, as this can lead to serious issues.

The "Terminal would like to access files in your Download folder" pop-up is likely to be displayed when adware has infiltrated the device, however, browser hijackers and other Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs) are likewise capable of showing bogus messages.

As mentioned, windows such as "Terminal would like to access files in your Download folder" are typically displayed due to installed PUAs. This software often does not need explicit consent to infiltrate systems, and thus users may be unaware of its presence.

Furthermore, these unwanted apps can have dangerous capabilities, which are not mentioned. Therefore, do no allow the access requested and remove these applications.

Adware often shows pop-ups, however, software within this classification can enable the placement of third-party graphical content on visited websites and other interfaces. Adware-types can deliver banners, surveys, coupons, and other intrusive advertisements.

When placed on visited sites, the ads significantly diminish the browsing experience by limiting web page visibility and reducing browsing speed. Intrusive ads are misleading, deceptive, and may even be malicious. When clicked, they can redirect to dubious/dangerous websites and some can stealthily download/install software (e.g., PUAs).

Potentially unwanted applications have varied harmful functionality, and the functions can be in different combinations. Some types can force-open untrusted and malicious sites.

Another type called browser hijacker operate by making modifications to browser settings and restricting/denying access to them in other to promote fake search engines.

With a browser hijacker installed, new browser tabs/windows opened and search queries typed into the URL bar redirect to promoted web searcher's address.

Bogus search engines rarely provide valid search results, and so they tend to redirect (or cause redirection chains leading) to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other genuine sites.

Furthermore, most PUAs (regardless of type) have data tracking capabilities. Information of interest includes (but is not limited to) browsing and search engine histories, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, geolocations, and even personally identifiable details. PUA developers monetize the collected data by sharing it with third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

In summary, the presence of unwanted software on devices can result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial loss, and identity theft. To ensure device and user safety, all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins must be removed immediately upon detection.

Threat Summary:

Name	"Terminal" would like to access files in your Download folder pop-up
Threat Type	Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names (installer)	Avast (MacOS:Bundlore-DY [Adw]), BitDefender (Adware.MAC.Bundlore.EJL), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Bnodlero.ay), Sophos (Bundlore (PUA)), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal)
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution Methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers.
Damage	Internet browsing tracking (potential privacy issues), displaying of unwanted ads, redirects to shady websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

"Terminal would like to control this computer" is an example of a fake pop-up similar to "Terminal would like to access files in your Download folder". As mentioned, adware has also been observed showing these deceptive messages. 

EssentialType, SearchBrowserSky, and RecordMapper are some examples of adware-type apps. These applications may seem legitimate and useful, however, their features seldom work as advertised, and, in most cases, do not work at all. In fact, this applies to most PUAs. The sole purpose of this unwanted software is to generate revenue at user expense.

PUAs run intrusive advertisement campaigns, cause redirects, hijack browsers, and collect private data.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PUAs are distributed through download/installation setups of other products. This bogus marketing technique of packing regular software with unwanted or malicious additions is called "bundling".

Rushing download/installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, etc.) increases the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player updates are also used to proliferate PUAs (notably, adware-types).

Intrusive advertisements proliferate these applications as well. When clicked, they can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations without users' consent. PUAs might also have "official" promotional/download web pages.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications

You are advised to research all software before download/installation. Use only official and verified download channels. Unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (BitTorrent, Gnutella, eMule), and other third party downloaders commonly offer harmful and bundled content, and are therefore untrusted and should be avoided.

When downloading/installing, read the terms, study all possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings and opt-out of additional apps, tools, features, and so on.

Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, however, they can redirect to dubious and malicious sites (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating, and many others). If you encounter ads or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately.

Installed programs must be activated and updated with tools or implemented functions that are provided by the official developers. No other third party, unofficial tools should be used.

Note that it is illegal to activate licensed software with ‘cracking’ tools. Files and programs should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links. Avoid third party installers and the tools/sources mentioned above.

Do not open website links or files in irrelevant emails that are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. These bogus emails are often disguised as official and important. Regularly, scan your computer with reputable, up-to-date antivirus or anti-spyware software.

If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in the fake system pop-up window:

"Terminal" would like to access files in your Download folder.

[Don't Allow] [OK]

Deceptive installer (fake Adobe Flash Player updater) promoting various adware applications that deliver this fake pop-up.

First installation step:

Second installation step:

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is "Terminal would like to access files in your Download folder"?
• STEP 1. Remove PUA related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove rogue add-ons from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

Potentially unwanted applications removal:

Remove potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash. After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

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