Removal instructions for the MapperWaveTerms adware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is MapperWaveTerms?
MapperWaveTerms is a rogue application that our research team discovered while reviewing new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform.
After examining this piece of software, we learned that it is adware belonging to the AdLoad malware family. MapperWaveTerms is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and deceptive ads.
MapperWaveTerms adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, overlays, coupons, banners, surveys, etc.) on visited websites and/or different interfaces.
It must be mentioned that software within this classification might require specific conditions to run intrusive advertisement campaigns, e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc. However, even if MapperWaveTerms does not display adverts – the presence of this application on a system remains a threat.
Adware-delivered ads primarily promote online scams, unreliable/hazardous software, and even malware. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.
It is noteworthy that while legitimate products or services may be encountered through these adverts – they are highly unlikely to be endorsed in this manner by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking functionalities – however, MapperWaveTerms did not exhibit these abilities during our analysis.
Advertising-supported software usually collects vulnerable information, and this might apply to MapperWaveTerms. Targeted data may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
To summarize, software like MapperWaveTerms may cause system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by MapperWaveTerms |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Searchpr), 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
OpenManager, OpenIntegration, LoadInvolveOpen, PositivePlatform, and LeadChange are just some examples of adware that we have investigated recently.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and harmless. Users are lured into downloading/installing this software by promises of various "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be stressed 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 MapperWaveTerms install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – packing ordinary program installation setups with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware.
The risk of inadvertently permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels, e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party sources.The risk is compounded by rushing through installation processes, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps or sections, using the "Easy/Express" settings, etc.
Additionally, adware can have "official" download webpages, and it is promoted on deceptive/scam sites. Most visitors access these pages via redirects generated by websites that utilize rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements also proliferate advertising-supported software. When clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. When installing, it is important to read terms, inspect available options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of all supplementary apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, adult dating, etc.).
If you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with MapperWaveTerms, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once MapperWaveTerms adware's installation is over:
MapperWaveTerms 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 MapperWaveTerms?
- STEP 1. Remove MapperWaveTerms related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove MapperWaveTerms ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove MapperWaveTerms adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove MapperWaveTerms ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove MapperWaveTerms adware using Combo Cleaner:
MapperWaveTerms adware removal:
Remove MapperWaveTerms-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 delivers advertisements that promote content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other serious problems. This software can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Advertising-supported software is also considered to be a threat to user privacy, as it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware is designed to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software displays ads on various interfaces, and some types can also generate redirects and collect private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue primarily via affiliate programs by promoting various sites, products, applications, browser extensions, services, and other content. The developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.
Will Combo Cleaner remove MapperWaveTerms adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be ideal. In some instances, file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. What is more, the remnants might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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