How to remove CoreSource adware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of software is CoreSource?
CoreSource generates advertisements and promotes a fake search engine by hijacking a web browser. Most likely, it is distributed using deceptive methods. Thus, it falls into the category of potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). Users often download and install such apps unintentionally.
CoreSource in detail
Ads displayed by CoreSource can lead to pages designed to promote PUAs, scams asking to provide sensitive information, and other untrustworthy websites. Also, this app might show ads designed to run certain scripts (to download or even install unwanted software).
Since CoreSource is also a browser-hijacking app, it changes the search engine, homepage, and new tab page to a fake search engine (its address). Fake search engines can promote dubious pages and (or) show results generated by other shady search engines.
| Name | Ads by CoreSource |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-AW [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.24907), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.G), Symantec (OSX.Trojan.Gen.2), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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), fake Flash Player installers, 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. |
CoreSource adware in general
CoreSource has the qualities of an adware-type and browser-hijacking application. It is worth mentioning that a big part of apps of this type can access/collect various information about their users. More adware examples are DataFile, AnalogSet, and AssistiveConsole.
How did CoreSource install on my computer?
Most adware-type apps get installed via software bundles, deceptive ads, fake installers. It is common for adware to be bundled with other software - to be included in installers. This distribution method works when users do not change "Advanced", "Custom", or similar settings before installing software.
Ads can download or install adware only when designed to run certain scripts. Users download or install unwanted software by clicking on those ads. Fake installers used to distribute adware get downloaded mostly from deceptive pages.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Always use official pages (or other legitimate sources) to download applications, files. Avoid using other sources for that. Also, do not trust advertisements showing up on questionable, dubious web pages. Deselect unwanted optional downloads and installations before downloading and installing programs.
If your computer is already infected with CoreSource, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
A pop-up that shows up after the installation of CoreSource adware:
CoreSource's Contents 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 CoreSource?
- STEP 1. Remove CoreSource related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove CoreSource ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove CoreSource adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove CoreSource ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove CoreSource adware using Combo Cleaner:
CoreSource adware removal:
Remove CoreSource-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 slow down a computer, diminish web browsing experience. It also can be the reason behind issues with browsing safety, online privacy.
What does adware do?
Adware generates advertisements (for example, pop-ups, banners, coupons). Also, software of this type can collect data and hijack web browsers.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware is monetized by promoting various products, web pages, services, etc. One of the main sources of income generated using adware is affiliate programs.
Will Combo Cleaner remove CoreSource adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove adware from it. It can be difficult to get rid of adware manually since various file leftovers may remain hidden in the system even after the removal. Thus, it is advisable to use specialized software for that.
Outstanding!
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