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How to remove CornusMas malicious extension

Also Known As: CornusMas unwanted application
Type: Adware
Damage level: Medium

What kind of program is CornusMas?

Upon testing the app, the conclusion is that CornusMas is a dubious application that activates the "Managed by your organization" setting in Chrome and Edge browsers and can read data on all pages and manage themes and extensions. It is also important to note that CornusMas is distributed using a malicious installer.

CornusMas malicious extension

CornusMas in detail

The "Managed by your organization" setting is typically associated with organizational policies and control over browser configurations. CornusMas could exploit this setting to implement changes that serve its dubious purposes, potentially leading to a compromised and less secure online experience for users who have inadvertently added the CornusMas application.

Also, CornusMas has the capability to read data on all pages, indicating a potential privacy concern. This level of access means that the application can access and retrieve information (including sensitive data like credit card details and passwords) from any website or visited by the user, raising questions about user data security and privacy.

Furthermore, CornusMas has the ability to manage themes and extensions in browsers. This indicates a level of control over the appearance and functionality of the browser, suggesting that the app may be capable of making unauthorized changes to the user's browsing experience.

Additionally, CornusMas is distributed using a malicious installer that contains other unwanted apps, such as the Chromstera browser. Also, the distribution of CornusMas may involve browser hijackers, adware, or other unwanted programs.

Threat Summary:
Name CornusMas unwanted application
Threat Type Malicious Extension
Detection Names (Installer) Gridinsoft (PUP.Win32.Chromnius.dg!c), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:VHO:AdWare.Win32.WebCompanion.gen), Rising (Adware.WebCompanion!8.171BF (CLOUD)), ZoneAlarm by Check Point (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.Win32.WebCompanion.gen), Full List (VirusTotal)
Symptoms The "Managed by your organization" feature is activated in Chrome and Edge browser, Chromstera browser is installed, your computer becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods Dubious websites, malicious installers, 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 (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
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Conclusion

In conclusion, CornusMas is a potentially harmful application with the ability to compromise user privacy and control browser settings. Users are advised to exercise caution, avoid adding the app, and take necessary steps to remove it if already added. The same applies to apps bundled with CornusMas.

Examples of extensions similar to CornusMas are PakicetusAttocki, Platyhelminthes, and SaxifragaGranulata.

How did unwanted software install on my computer?

In many cases, dubious applications are bundled with seemingly legitimate, often free, programs. Users may unknowingly install or add these applications when completing installations without deselecting unwanted offers. This typically occurs when users overlook or fail to adjust settings like "Advanced", "Custom", or similar options.

Additionally, the distribution of questionable applications extends to various channels, including peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, third-party app stores, deceptive advertisements, pop-ups, counterfeit software updates, compromised websites, and similar platforms.

In the case of CornusMas, a malicious installer hosted on a shady website is employed for distribution.

How to avoid installation of unwanted applications?

Exercise caution when downloading software and primarily utilize official and reputable sources. Avoid downloading applications from unverified websites, third-party app stores, or links provided in suspicious emails or pop-ups.

Always opt for the "Advanced" or "Custom" installation settings when adding new programs, and carefully review the installation options to deselect any bundled or unwanted software. Additionally, regularly update the operating system and security software.

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

Website hosting the installer used to distribute CornusMas:

CornusMas malicious extension promoter

CornusMas application details:

CornusMas malicious extension app information

CornusMas on Edge browser:

CornusMas malicious extension on Edge browser

Instant automatic 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 malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner 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. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Unwanted software removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

CornusMas malicious extension uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any unwanted applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove unwanted apps from Internet browsers:

Video showing how to remove unwanted browser add-ons:

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing CornusMas malicious extension from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Extensions" and click "Manage Extensions". Locate "CornusMas" or other suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing CornusMas malicious extension from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the cornusmas unwanted application, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing CornusMas malicious extension from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), 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".

Removing CornusMas malicious extension from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with cornusmas unwanted application removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the cornusmas unwanted application, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on cornusmas unwanted application or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can CornusMas cause?

CornusMas can cause significant harm by compromising user privacy through unauthorized data access and manipulating browser settings, themes, and extensions, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities.

What does CornusMas do?

CornusMas is a potentially malicious application that, upon activation, utilizes the "Managed by your organization" setting in Chrome and Edge browsers. Also, it can read data on all pages and manage themes and extensions.

How do CornusMas developers generate revenue?

The developers of CornusMas may generate revenue through illicit means, such as data harvesting, selling user information, engaging in click fraud, or participating in other fraudulent activities.

Will Combo Cleaner remove CornusMas?

Combo Cleaner will remove unwanted applications from your computer. Remember that manual removal might not be effective, as some file remnants could persist in the system even after deleting the software, potentially remaining active.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
CornusMas unwanted application QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of CornusMas unwanted application on your mobile device.
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