Removing ConfigInput adware-type application from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is ConfigInput?
Our research team found the ConfigInput app while inspecting new submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this application, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family. ConfigInput is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with advertisements.
ConfigInput adware overview
Adware displays ads on various websites and/or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content endorses online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while legitimate products and services may be encountered via these advertisements – they are unlikely to be promoted by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software may not deliver intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser/system, specific websites not visited, etc. However, regardless of whether ConfigInput displays advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety.
Additionally, AdLoad applications commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities, although ConfigInput did not exhibit any during our analysis.
ConfigInput likely collects sensitive user data. Targeted information may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data can then be shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of adware like ConfigInput on devices may lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by ConfigInput |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.16), 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 examined thousands of adware samples; DesignationDrive, EnumeratorMachine, DisplayFraction, InputDivision, and PhaseAware are just some of our newest finds.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. It entices users into download/installation with promises of "handy" features, which are rarely operational. Keep in mind that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of either legitimacy or safety.
How did ConfigInput install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – packing regular program installation setups with unwanted/malicious supplements – is used to distribute adware.
Download from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushed installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, used "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Advertising-supported software can also have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on deceptive/scam sites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects generated by mistyped URLs, websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements spread this software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. When installing, it is essential to read terms, study available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look ordinary/innocuous – yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering ads/redirects of this type, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ConfigInput, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once ConfigInput adware's installation is over:
ConfigInput 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
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Quick menu:
- What is ConfigInput?
- STEP 1. Remove ConfigInput related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove ConfigInput ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove ConfigInput adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove ConfigInput ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove ConfigInput adware using Combo Cleaner:
ConfigInput adware removal:
Remove ConfigInput-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 displays advertisements that promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Advertising-supported software can also have data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on various interfaces. Some adware-types can also generate redirects and gather private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue mainly via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove ConfigInput adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate installed adware-type applications. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. Since even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remnants may continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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