Removal instructions for the CreativeManager adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is CreativeManager?
Our research team discovered the CreativeManager app during a routine investigation of new submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon examination, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware) from the AdLoad malware family. CreativeManager operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns.
CreativeManager adware overview
Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, software within this classification displays third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces.
These advertisements primarily endorse online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and potential malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
It is noteworthy that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by their actual developers. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
Advertising-supported software might need specific conditions to deliver intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). However, regardless of whether CreativeManager displays advertisements – it remains a threat.
AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities, although CreativeManager did not exhibit these qualities during our analysis.
Furthermore, this rogue application likely collects vulnerable information, as data-tracking functionalities are standard for adware. Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can be sold to third-parties or otherwise abused for profit.
In summary, the presence of software like CreativeManager on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CreativeManager |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names (service) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CJ [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.42), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adlo), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Agent.ad), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (system) | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CL [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.41), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/TrojanDownloader.Adloa), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Agent.ad), 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
ExpandedObject, GridMapper, and ObsessionPortal are merely a couple examples of adware we have investigated recently. Software within this category typically appears ordinary and innocuous. Users may be enticed into downloading/installing it by promises of various handy functionalities. However, these features are rarely operational.
It must be stressed that even if a piece of software works as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did CreativeManager install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with regular programs. The threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users primarily access these pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Advertising-supported software is also spread by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of the advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.
How to avoid installation of adware?
It is important to always research software prior to downloading or purchasing it. We recommend downloading only from official and verified channels. Installation processes must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.
We also advise being careful while browsing, as fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, despite their ordinary/innocuous appearance – intrusive advertisements redirect to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CreativeManager, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Files related to the CreativeManager adware that need to be removed:
- ~/Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/Services/com.CreativeManager.service.app
- ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.CreativeManager.service.plist
- /Library/Application Support/.[random_string]/System/com.CreativeManager.system
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.CreativeManager.system.plist
Pop-up window displayed when CreativeManager adware is present on the system:
Text presented in this pop-up:
"CreativeManagerd" will damage your computer.
This file was downloaded on a unknown date.
OK
Show in Finder
IMPORTANT NOTE! In some cases malicious applications like CreativeManager alter system proxy settings, thereby causing unwanted redirects to a variety of questionable websites.
The redirects are likely to remain even after removing the application itself. Thus, you'll have to restore them manually.
Step 1: Click on the gear icon in the Dock to navigate to the system settings. If the icon is not present in the Dock, you can find it in the Launchpad.
Step 2: Navigate to the Network settings.
Step 3: Select the connected network and click "Advanced...".
Step 4: Click on the "Proxies" tab and untick all the protocols. You should also set the settings of each protocol to default - "*.local, 169.254/16".
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 CreativeManager?
- STEP 1. Remove CreativeManager related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CreativeManager ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CreativeManager adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CreativeManager ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CreativeManager adware using Combo Cleaner:
CreativeManager adware removal:
Remove CreativeManager-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-displayed adverts endorse content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). The presence of this software on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered to be a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. Primary functions can include enabling the placement of ads on visited websites or other interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue through content promotion. The developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CreativeManager adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might not be a perfect solution. After the software has been manually removed – various leftovers (files) can stay hidden within the system. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, advertising-supported software must be eliminated thoroughly.
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