How to remove the CommonConsole adware-type application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
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 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.
| 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. |
Adware examples
GuideInfo, ConnectedSource, 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:
CommonConsole 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
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Quick menu:
- What is CommonConsole?
- STEP 1. Remove CommonConsole related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CommonConsole ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CommonConsole adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CommonConsole ads from Mozilla Firefox.
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:
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 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.
Outstanding!
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