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How to remove the CommonConsole adware-type application

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

What kind of application is CommonConsole?

Our research team found the CommonConsole app while browsing new file submissions to the VirusTotal platform. Upon inspection, we learned that it is advertising-supported software (adware) belonging to the AdLoad malware family. CommonConsole generates revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising.

CommonConsole adware

CommonConsole adware overview

Usually, adware displays third-party graphical content (ads) on visited webpages, desktops, or other interfaces. These advertisements are more than just an annoyance, as they commonly endorse deceptive and malicious content (e.g., online scams, adware, browser hijackers, PUAs, trojans, etc.).

Stealthy downloads/installations are another concern with adware-delivered adverts, as some can perform this activity upon being clicked.

While legitimate products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be promoted by any official parties. It is most probable that this promotion is undertaken by scammers motivated to obtain illegitimate commissions by abusing the endorsed content's affiliate programs.

Specific conditions may be necessary for advertising-supported software to operate as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, etc.). Regardless of whether CommonConsole displays ads – the application's presence on a system remains a threat to device/user safety.

We have discovered many AdLoad apps that exhibit browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these qualities while testing CommonConsole.

Additionally, adware typically collects private information, and CommonConsole might have such data-tracking functionality.

Targeted data may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive information can be shared with or sold to third-parties.

In summary, the presence of software like CommonConsole on devices may result in system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by CommonConsole
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.G), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information This application belongs to the 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

GuideInfoConnectedSource, and OnlinePartition are merely a couple of our newest articles on adware. This software usually looks harmless and offers a broad range of features. However, these functionalities seldom operate as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Remember that even if a piece of software functions exactly as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did CommonConsole install on my computer?

Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking promotional webpages and scam sites. They are primarily entered via redirects caused by intrusive ads, websites that use rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).

Advertising-supported software can be bundled with regular programs as well. The threat of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the device is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).

Intrusive advertisements also proliferate adware. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software before downloading/purchasing. All downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy channels. Installation processes have to be approached with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since the Internet is full of well-disguised fraudulent and malicious content. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive ads redirect to unreliable and questionable websites (e.g., scam-promoting, gambling, adult dating, etc.).

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

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

Pop-up displayed once CommonConsole installation is complete

CommonConsole adware's installation folder:

CommonConsole 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 adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

CommonConsole adware removal:

Remove CommonConsole-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?

Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. This software delivers advertisements promoting content that may cause severe issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware typically has data-tracking abilities – hence, it is classed as a privacy threat.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Advertising-supported software usually feeds users with undesirable/dangerous ads by placing them on various interfaces. Some adware types can also generate redirects and collect sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit primarily via affiliate programs by promoting content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove CommonConsole adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security tools) might be ineffective. After the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file remnants can stay hidden within the system. What is more, the remaining components might continue to run and cause problems. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate adware and other unwanted 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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