Removing CreativeApply adware-type app and the advertisements it displays

What kind of application is CreativeApply?

While checking out new submissions to VirusTotal, our research team discovered the CreativeApply app. Our analysis of this piece of software revealed that it is adware. Additionally, we learned that CreativeApply is part of the AdLoad malware family.

CreativeApply adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to generate revenue for its developers by running intrusive advertisement campaigns. This software displays ads (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, overlays, banners, surveys, etc.) on various interfaces.

Adware-delivered adverts primarily endorse online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and even malware. Some intrusive advertisements can execute scripts to perform stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.

Note that any genuine content encountered through these adverts is most likely promoted by scammers who abuse its affiliate programs in order to acquire illegitimate commissions.

Advertising-supported software might not run intrusive ad campaigns if certain conditions are unsuitable, such as an incompatible browser/system or user geolocation, specific websites not visited, and so forth. However, even if CreativeApply does not display advertisements – it remains a threat to device integrity and user privacy.

AdLoad applications tend to have browser hijacker abilities, although the CreativeApply app did not exhibit such functionalities during our analysis.

Adware usually collects vulnerable information, and this might be true of CreativeApply. Targeted data may include: visited URLs, viewed webpages, searched queries, Internet cookies, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered information can then be shared with or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

To summarize, advertising-supported software like CreativeApply may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by CreativeApply
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.Searchp), 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

CorporateGlobe, OuterSource, and FlightRemote are just a few examples of adware that we have examined recently. This software typically appears ordinary and harmless. It entices users into downloading/installing it by promising various handy features. However, these functionalities seldom operate as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not a guarantee of legitimacy or safety.

How did CreativeApply install on my computer?

Adware can have "official" download pages, and it is commonly promoted on scam websites. Most users access these webpages via redirects caused by sites using rogue advertising networks, mistyped URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with the ability to force-open browsers).

Additionally, advertising-supported software can be bundled with ordinary programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from untrustworthy sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.) and by treating installation processes with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Easy/Quick" settings, etc.).

Intrusive adverts spread adware as well. Some of these advertisements can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

It is essential to research software and download it only from official/verified channels. We recommend approaching installation with caution, e.g., by reading terms, inspecting possible options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, and so forth.

We advise being vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous. For example, despite their harmless appearance – intrusive adverts redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

Should you keep encountering ads/redirects of this kind, inspect the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with CreativeApply, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

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

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

Video showing how to remove CreativeApply adware using Combo Cleaner:

CreativeApply adware removal:

Remove CreativeApply-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. It displays advertisements that endorse content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, advertising-supported software is classified as a privacy threat since it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware is designed to enable the placement of ads on various interfaces. Additionally, some types can generate redirects and collect sensitive information.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Most of the profit comes from affiliate programs. Adware developers may earn commission from ad clicks, website visits, file downloads, product purchases, service subscriptions, or similar.

Will Combo Cleaner remove CreativeApply adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan systems and eliminate all the adware-type applications present. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some instances, even after the adware has been manually removed – remnants (files) get left behind. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to remove advertising-supported software thoroughly.

▼ Show Discussion