How to eliminate CommandAccess adware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is CommandAccess?
CommandAccess is a piece of rogue software that our researchers found while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. Our analysis of this application revealed that it operates as advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, we learned that CommandAccess is part of the AdLoad malware family.
CommandAccess adware overview
Adware is designed to display advertisements on various interfaces. The adverts endorse online scams, untrustworthy/dangerous websites and software, and even malware. Some intrusive ads are capable of stealthily downloading/installing software upon being clicked.
Note that any legitimate products encountered through these advertisements are highly unlikely to be promoted by their developers. Instead, this endorsement is undertaken by scammers abusing the products' affiliate programs to obtain illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that advertising-supported software may require certain conditions to run intrusive ad campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system specs, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, even if CommandAccess does not deliver adverts - its presence endangers device and user safety nonetheless.
This app might have browser hijacker qualities since they are common for AdLoad adware; however, we did observe any during testing. Furthermore, CommandAccess likely has data tracking abilities. Information of interest includes: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like CommandAccess on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CommandAccess |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.AdLoad.13), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
| 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, torrent file downloads. |
| Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type applications; ChipSynergy, FunctionBlast, TotalResults, and LevelNight are merely some examples. Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. It also offers a wide variety of functionalities that seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they do not work at all.
How did CommandAccess install on my computer?
Adware is proliferated using the bundling technique - packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements. Download from untrustworthy channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations increase the risk of allowing bundled content into the system.
Additionally, fake Adobe Flash Player updaters/installers are used in distribution. Intrusive adverts spread adware as well. Once clicked on, some of these ads can execute scripts to make downloads/installations without user permission.
Advertising-supported software is also promoted on dubious download pages and scam websites. Most users access such sites via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive adverts, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, it is important to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of all supplementary apps, tools, features, etc.
We advise being cautious when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content typically appears legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CommandAccess, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CommandAccess adware's installation is over:
CommandAccess adware's installation folder:
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is CommandAccess?
- STEP 1. Remove CommandAccess related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CommandAccess ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CommandAccess adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CommandAccess ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CommandAccess adware using Combo Cleaner:
CommandAccess adware removal:
Remove CommandAccess-related 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware can decrease browsing quality and system performance. It is also classified as a privacy threat, as this software usually has data tracking abilities. Furthermore, adware-delivered ads promote harmful content that can cause serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.).
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (adverts) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some types can force-open webpages and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate profit primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, products, services, etc. The revenue might come as commissions from ad clicks, site visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CommandAccess adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate installed adware-type applications. It is noteworthy that manual removal (without the aid of security software) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware is (manually) removed - various files can remain hidden within the system. What is more, these leftovers might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be removed thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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