How to remove CodesTerminal adware-type app from Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of application is CodesTerminal?
Our research team discovered the CodesTerminal application while inspecting file submissions to the VirusTotal website. After investigating this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. CodesTerminal belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
CodesTerminal adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software, and as the name implies – its goal is to generate revenue for its developers/publishers through advertising. Typically, software within this classification operates by displaying third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, banners, etc.) on visited websites, desktops, or other interfaces.
However, specific conditions may be required for adware to function as intended, such as a compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, and so on. Regardless of whether CodesTerminal delivers advertisements – this app remains a threat to device/user safety.
Adware-displayed adverts can promote online scams, unreliable/dangerous software, and even malware. Once clicked on, some of the ads can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations. Note that any genuine content encountered via these advertisements is most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs to acquire illegitimate commissions.
It is pertinent to mention that AdLoad programs often behave as browser hijackers – however, we did not observe these capabilities while analyzing the CodesTerminal application.
Advertising-supported software usually has data-tracking functionalities, and this might apply to CodesTerminal. Collected information may include: URLs visited, pages viewed, search queries typed, browser cookies, log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. This sensitive data can be monetized via sale to third-parties.
To summarize, software like CodesTerminal is associated with system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Ads by CodesTerminal |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-AG [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.Generic.3180797), 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
KeyParameter, BinaryAnalog, and UnitConsole are merely a couple of our latest articles on Mac-specific adware. Usually, advertising-supported software appears legitimate and innocuous. It can also offer a broad range of useful functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
Remember that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that alone does not prove its legitimacy or safety.
How did CodesTerminal install on my computer?
The bundling marketing technique – parking ordinary program installers with unwanted/malicious additions – is used to distribute adware.
Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and inattentiveness when installing (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the device.
Additionally, adware can have "official" promotional webpages and is endorsed on scam sites. Most visitors access them via redirects generated by intrusive ads, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, mistyped URLs, and installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).
Advertising-supported software is spread directly by intrusive advertisements as well. Some of these adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We advise researching software prior to downloading/purchasing. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. When installing, it is important to study terms and options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt out of supplementary apps, extensions, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content typically appears genuine and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, etc.).
Should you keep encountering adverts and/or redirects of this kind, inspect the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CodesTerminal, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once CodesTerminal adware's installation is over:
CodesTerminal 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 CodesTerminal?
- STEP 1. Remove CodesTerminal related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CodesTerminal ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CodesTerminal adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CodesTerminal ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:
CodesTerminal adware removal:
Remove CodesTerminal-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?
Most of the threats are posed by the content promoted through adware-displayed advertisements, including system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc. Furthermore, the presence of this software on a device can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. What is more, adware usually has data-tracking capabilities – thus, it is considered a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware operates by delivering intrusive advertisement campaigns. Primary functions can include placing third-party graphical content on various interfaces, generating redirects, and gathering sensitive information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware generates revenue via content promotion (e.g., websites, products, software, services, etc.). The majority of the profit comes from affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CodesTerminal adware?
Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type applications. It must be mentioned that manual removal (performed without security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, after the advertising-supported software has been manually removed – file leftovers remain hidden within the system. What is more, these components might continue running and causing issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate adware and other unwanted software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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