How to remove the ExtendedCommand adware-type app from your Mac

What kind of application is ExtendedCommand?

ExtendedCommand is an adware-type app discovered by our research team during a routine inspection of file submissions to VirusTotal. This advertising-supported software is part of the AdLoad malware family.

ExtendedCommand is designed to generate revenue for its developers by feeding users with undesirable and potentially malicious ads.

ExtendedCommand adware overview

Adware operates by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. It typically displays adverts on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Note that certain conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to work as intended (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to specific sites, etc.). However, regardless of whether ExtendedCommand delivers ads – it remains a threat to device integrity and user safety.

Adware-displayed advertisements mainly promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user consent.

Keep in mind that while genuine products or services may be encountered via these ads – they are unlikely to be endorsed by their developers or other official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who seek to acquire illegitimate commissions through the abuse of the content's affiliate programs.

AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking functionalities – however, we did not observe these abilities during our analysis of ExtendedCommand.

This rogue app likely collects sensitive user information, as data tracking is standard for advertising-supported software. Target information may include: URLs visited, webpages viewed, search queries typed, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

To summarize, the presence of software like ExtendedCommand on devices may result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by ExtendedCommand
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), 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

OptimalProcesser, SearchSmartResults, MicroProcess, and PlatformExplorer are but a few examples of adware we have examined recently. Advertising-supported software rarely appears illegitimate or otherwise suspicious – it tends to look ordinary and innocuous.

Adware can also offer a broad range of useful functionalities. However, these features seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they are utterly nonoperational. It must be mentioned that even if an application or a browser extension works as indicated by its promotional material – that does not prove its legitimacy or safety.

How did ExtendedCommand install on my computer?

Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is pushed through scam websites. Visitors primarily access these webpages via redirects generated by sites employing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open pages).

Advertising-supported supply can also be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the threat of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system.

Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked. These advertisements are also utilized in adware distribution.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all supplementary apps, extensions, etc.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive ads may look harmless – yet redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., scam-promoting, adult dating, gambling, etc.).

If you keep encountering such adverts/redirects, check the device and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with ExtendedCommand, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

ExtendedCommand 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 ExtendedCommand?
• STEP 1. Remove ExtendedCommand related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove ExtendedCommand ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove ExtendedCommand adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove ExtendedCommand ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove adware and browser hijackers from a Mac computer:

ExtendedCommand adware removal:

Remove ExtendedCommand-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 may decrease browsing quality and system performance. This software delivers advertisements that promote content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). Adware usually has data-tracking functionalities – therefore, it is considered to be a threat to user privacy.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to enable the placement of third-party graphical content (adverts) on various interfaces. Some adware types can also generate redirects and gather vulnerable information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware generates revenue through content promotion. Its developers may earn commissions from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar. Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs.

Will Combo Cleaner remove ExtendedCommand adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all adware-type apps detected. Keep in mind that manual removal (performed without the aid of security tools) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, file remnants stay hidden within the system after the adware has been manually removed. The remaining components might continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough software removal is paramount.

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