Removal instructions for the CommonParameter adware-type app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is CommonParameter?
CommonParameter is a rogue app that we found during a routine inspection of new file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. CommonParameter is designed to run intrusive ad campaigns, and it may have other hazardous capabilities.
CommonParameter adware overview
Adware (advertising-supported software) operates by displaying advertisements on visited webpages, desktops, or other interfaces. This third-party graphical content (e.g., pop-ups, surveys, banners, overlays, etc.) can endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and malware. When clicked on, some of the ads can carry out stealthy downloads/installations.
It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products and services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this is undertaken by scammers seeking to acquire illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.
Specific conditions may be necessary for this software to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether CommonParameter displays advertisements – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user privacy.
Furthermore, AdLoad apps commonly have browser-hijacking abilities – yet we did not observe such functionalities while testing CommonParameter.
What is more, this rogue application likely gathers vulnerable information, as data-tracking capabilities are standard for adware. Targeted information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The collected data can be shared with and/or sold to third-parties.
In summary, the presence of software like CommonParameter on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CommonParameter |
| 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 analyzed countless adware-type apps; AssistRadio, ConnectionTiming, VirtualPartition, and FractionConsole are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears legitimate and offers various handy features. However, these functionalities rarely work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be emphasized that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did CommonParameter install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. Downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) poses a threat of bundled content infiltrating the device. The risk is compounded by treating installations with negligence, e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users most commonly access these pages via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, and installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. Once clicked on, some of the adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. When installing, we advise reading terms, investigating available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing. For example, while intrusive adverts may look harmless – they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such advertisements and/or redirects, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CommonParameter, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CommonParameter adware's installation is over:
CommonParameter 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 CommonParameter?
- STEP 1. Remove CommonParameter related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CommonParameter ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CommonParameter adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CommonParameter ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CommonParameter adware using Combo Cleaner:
CommonParameter adware removal:
Remove CommonParameter-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-delivered ads can promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. Adware usually has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by delivering intrusive ad campaigns. The software's primary functions can include displaying ads on various interfaces, generating redirects, and collecting sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers primarily profit via affiliate programs by promoting various websites, apps, extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CommonParameter adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and remove detected adware-type applications. Note that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. In some instances, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system – after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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