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Removing CoreInterface adware-type application from your Mac

Also Known As: Ads by CoreInterface
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is CoreInterface?

Our researchers discovered the CoreInterface application while investigating new submissions to VirusTotal. Upon examination, we learned that this piece of software is adware. CoreInterface belongs to the AdLoad malware family.

CoreInterface adware

CoreInterface adware overview

Advertising-supported software (adware) is designed to generate revenue for its developers through advertising. Typically, this purpose is achieved by displaying ads (e.g., overlays, coupons, pop-ups, banners, etc.) on various interfaces.

Certain conditions may be necessary for adware to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific websites, etc.). Yet even if CoreInterface does not display adverts – it remains a threat to device integrity and user privacy.

The delivered advertisements can endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Some of these ads can even be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

Keep in mind that while genuine products or services may be encountered via said adverts – they are unlikely to be promoted in this manner by any official parties. This promotion is most likely undertaken by scammers seeking to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.

Furthermore, AdLoad applications often possess browser-hijacking capabilities. However, we did not observe them during our analysis of the CoreInterface app.

What is more, advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might be true of CoreInterface. Sought information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, browser cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. This vulnerable information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like CoreInterface on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by CoreInterface
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.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
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.

Adware examples

We have examined countless adware-type applications; AssistiveEntryNetworkServer, and BalanceDesktop are merely a couple of examples.

Software within this category tends to appear harmless and offer a wide variety of features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational.

It must be emphasized that even if an app or browser extension works exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove legitimacy or safety.

How did CoreInterface install on my computer?

Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping sections, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Adware is also promoted on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most users access these webpages via redirects generated by intrusive adverts, websites employing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Additionally, advertising-supported software is spread by intrusive ads. Some of these advertisements can execute scripts to carry out sneaky downloads/installation upon being clicked.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing. Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Installation processes have to be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, tools, extensions, etc.

We also advise being careful while browsing, as fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive adverts may look harmless – however, they redirect users to unreliable and questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, pornography, gambling, etc.).

In case of continuous encounters with advertisements/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CoreInterface, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once CoreInterface adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once CoreInterface installation is complete

CoreInterface adware's installation folder:

CoreInterface adware install 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:

Video showing how to remove CoreInterface adware using Combo Cleaner:

CoreInterface adware removal:

Remove CoreInterface-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

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

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

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.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

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.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan 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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

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.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

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.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Ads delivered by adware can promote content capable of causing severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). This software's presence on a device can decrease browsing quality and system performance. Adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is considered a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by placing third-party graphical content (advertisements) on various interfaces. Additionally, some adware types are capable of force-opening pages and gathering vulnerable data.

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, or similar. Most of the revenue comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove CoreInterface adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It is noteworthy that manual removal (performed without security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some instances, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. Furthermore, these remnants might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.

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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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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

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

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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.