Removal instructions for the SeasonValue adware and the ads it displays
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is SeasonValue?
While inspecting new submissions to VirusTotal, our researchers found the SeasonValue application. After investigating this app, we determined that it is advertising-supported software (adware). Additionally, we learned that SeasonValue belongs to the AdLoad malware family.
SeasonValue adware overview
Adware operates by displaying advertisements on various interfaces. These ads endorse online scams, unreliable/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
It is pertinent to mention that any genuine content encountered via these ads is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Certain conditions may be required for advertising-supported software to run intrusive advert campaigns (e.g., compatible browser/system, visits to particular sites, etc.). Regardless of whether SeasonValue displays ads – its presence on a system endangers device/user safety.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities; however, SeasonValue did not exhibit any during testing.
Furthermore, this rogue app likely has data-tracking functionalities. Targeted information may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so forth. The gathered information can then be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like SeasonValue on devices may lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Ads by SeasonValue |
| Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
| Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-DH [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.23), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Search), 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. |
Adware examples
We have analyzed thousands of adware-type apps; StoreFlow, RootDiscover, SphereSpace, SpacialSoulutions, IndexerStart, and ExperienceSys are merely some examples.
Advertising-supported software usually appears ordinary and innocuous. It also offers a wide variety of useful and advantageous features. However, these functionalities seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.
It must be mentioned that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not definitive proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did SeasonValue install on my computer?
Adware can have "official" promotional pages, and it is endorsed on scam sites. Users typically access such webpages via redirects caused by mistyped URLs, websites utilizing rogue advertising networks, intrusive ads, spam browser notifications, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).
Advertising-supported software can also be bundled (packed together) with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., skipping steps, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the device.
Intrusive advertisements proliferate adware as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We strongly advise researching software and downloading it only from official/verified channels. Furthermore, installation must be treated with care, e.g., by reading terms, studying possible options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually looks legitimate and innocuous. For example, intrusive advertisements may appear harmless – yet they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
In case of encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SeasonValue, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once SeasonValue adware's installation is over:
SeasonValue 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 SeasonValue?
- STEP 1. Remove SeasonValue related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove SeasonValue ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove SeasonValue adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove SeasonValue ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove SeasonValue adware using Combo Cleaner:
SeasonValue adware removal:
Remove SeasonValue-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 decreases browsing quality and system performance. It displays adverts that endorse deceptive and malicious content capable of causing serious issues, e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc. Additionally, advertising-supported is deemed to be a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking abilities.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of adverts on various interfaces. Furthermore, some types can also force-open sites and/or collect private information.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily via affiliate programs by endorsing various websites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and so forth.
Will Combo Cleaner remove SeasonValue adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate detected adware-type apps. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be an ideal solution. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various components (files) can remain hidden within the system. What is more, these remnants can continue to run and cause problems. Hence, it is essential to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.
Outstanding!
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