Removal instructions for the CommonHandler adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is CommonHandler?
Our researchers discovered the CommonHandler application during a routine inspection of new submissions to the VirusTotal website. Following our examination of this app, we determined that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family.
CommonHandler adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to generate revenue for its developers by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software enables the placement of ads (e.g., pop-ups, banners, surveys, overlays, etc.) on various interfaces.
The adverts primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. When clicked on, some intrusive advertisements are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that any genuine products/services encountered via these ads – are most likely promoted by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Unless the browser/system or user geolocation are compatible, particular websites are visited, or other conditions are suitable – adware will not deliver intrusive ad campaigns. However, regardless of whether CommonHandler displays advertisements – its presence on a system remains a threat.
AdLoad applications often have browser hijacker abilities, but we did not observe any such functions while inspecting the CommonHandler app.
Furthermore, advertising-supported software typically gathers private information, and this might be true of CommonHandler. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. The collected information can then be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like CommonHandler on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CommonHandler |
| 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.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), 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), 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 investigated countless adware samples; DeveloperEngine, LauncherLocator, EnginePro – are merely a couple of our latest finds.
Advertising-supported software rarely appears suspicious; it tends to look legitimate and handy. Users are baited into download/installation by promises of various functionalities. However, these features are usually nonoperational. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software works as promised – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did CommonHandler install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – packing ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to proliferate adware. Download from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installations (e.g., skipped steps/sections, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Adware can be promoted on its "official" download webpages, and it is often pushed through scam sites. Most visitors to these pages access them via redirects caused by websites that use rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with webpage force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive adverts also spread advertising-supported software. Some of these ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is crucial to research software and download it only from official/trustworthy sources. We recommend approaching installation processes with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional applications, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious apps and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CommonHandler, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CommonHandler adware's installation is over:
CommonHandler 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:
▼ 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 CommonHandler?
- STEP 1. Remove CommonHandler related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CommonHandler ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CommonHandler adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CommonHandler ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CommonHandler adware using Combo Cleaner:
CommonHandler adware removal:
Remove CommonHandler-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 may decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing severe issues (including system infections, financial losses, etc.). Adware is also considered to be a threat to user privacy since it typically has data-tracking functionalities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads, and it may be capable of causing redirects and collecting private data as well.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by promoting websites, software, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CommonHandler adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) stay hidden within the system. The remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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