CommonAdmin

CommonAdmin is a suspicious Mac application that spams web browsers with intrusive ads

CommonAdmin is a free application that may be represented in an attractive way, even though its initial purpose is to deliver intrusive advertisements on Macs. This app has been recently detected attacking Mac users on various freeware download websites as a hidden free software component. Subsequently, it has been added to the list of Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP). Aside from PUPs, the CommonAdmin virus exhibits all the traits that are internationally agreed to be typical to adware^[1]. When installed, it drops a plug-in on a web browser, displays loads of intrusive ads, and accumulates people’s web browsing history without consent.

There is not much information about CommonAdmin adware on the Internet, except multiple reports about its misbehavior on cybersecurity websites and people’s questions on how to remove CommonAdmin ads on multiple forums. However, the program itself cannot be found under legitimate download sources. It does not have the official website either. That’s the fist signal warning that the app is not the one that can be trusted. In most of the cases, people end up installing this intrusive adware application on third-party websites infamous for bundled software downloads.

It is compatible with Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and other web browser types designed for Macs. However, it is solely a Mac tool, so Windows OS users are very unlikely to see CommonAdmin ads on the web unless clone adware for Windows is circulating on the web.

Ads by CommonAdmin – that’s a prescription that may be positioned in the bottom right corner of ads, pop-ups, banners, auto-play, and other forms of ads that this application displays. Those who have already seen those ads should look for a related application on the Apps folder and remove it right away. Otherwise, the number of CommonAdmin ads may double and seriously disrupt web browsing sessions.

The purpose of the CommonAdmin virus is to monetize web traffic^[2] and generate pay-per-click revenue. Adware partners create appealing popups and banners, which are integrated into the database of the PUP. Consequently, if adware gets installed, intrusive advertisements are unraveled on every website that Mac’s user visits. The worst part of this activity is the content of CommonAdmin popups. It is very likely that the program displays safe ads that once clicked redirect to unpopular domains that seek to improve Google ranking. However, some of the third-party ads may be potentially dangerous as once clicked may redirect the browser to phishing sites used to scam people or distribute rogue software.

Aside from intrusive advertisements, CommonAdmin malware may be responsible for the compromised web browser’s settings. Programs known as browser hijackers may be distributed in one pack with the adware. Consequently, the emergence of irritating advertisements may be accompanied by a web browser’s alterations, such as:

• search engine replaced by an unknown search provider;
• questionable URL set as a default start page;
• multiple toolbars injected into a web browser;
• cybersecurity websites may become inaccessible;
• web-browser redirects to predetermined websites regularly.

CommonAdmin generates intrusive ads and can accumulate web browsing history

CommonAdmin generates intrusive ads and can accumulate web browsing history

The problem with this questionable program is not only a web browser’s changes and advertising. We strongly recommend you to remove CommonAdmin virus to prevent privacy-related issues. The PUP is also known for the usage of tracking cookies that are programmed to collect a variety of browsing-related information, including IP address, ISP provider, search queries, websites visited, links clicked, system information, and similar. However, sometimes adware use advanced tracking technologies that may allow collecting some pieces of personal information like an e-mail address or names. Therefore, we highly recommend you not to postpone CommonAdmin removal. 

In most of the cases, manual adware removal works. If you haven’t dealt with such an app before, you can rely on a step-by-step CommonAdmin removal tutorial provided below this article. Nevertheless, if the ads do not end whatever you do, you may need help from a trusted anti-malware tool, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego.

PUPs can land on Mac machines via popular download sources

The ongoing research of malware and viruses shows that Mac devices are no longer malware resistant^[3]. The boundaries that Mac developers use to defining what malware seems not to be working spotlessly. Hundreds of potentially unwanted programs managed to bypass Mac malware checks and flood legitimate download sources like Google Play, thus allowing unwanted programs to widespread. 

Having this in mind, people should stop recklessly downloading applications that are represented in an appealing manner, but the descriptions, in fact, lack essential information, such as who developed the app, how it works, what is its main function, and so on. Installing a program that is supposed to improve web browsing experience is a deliberate decision.

Aside from direct downloads, Mac users can end up with malware on the system after the installation of bundled software. Apps, such as ad blockers, download managers, software update tools, media streaming software, and similar are commonly distributed in bundles with unwanted web browser add-ons and plug-ins. The latter may be attached as optional components, but the only way to opt them out is to select the Advanced/Custom installation method. 

Ads by CommonAdmin on web browser indicates malware infection

Ads by CommonAdmin on web browser indicates malware infection

Mac users should not ignore the pop-up window stating that the app comes from the untrusted installer:

XXX is from the unidentified installer. Are you sure you want to open it? Opening XXX will always allow it to run on this Mac.

Such and similar alerts signal that the program is questionable and that the Mac system does not recognize it as fully. Thus, by accepting unknown apps is under your responsibility and knowledge that the app, in fact, may be adware. 

Uninstall CommonAdmin virus from your Mac

You can use a professional utility to clean your Mac from malware. Software like Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego works efficiently in terminating PUP-related processes, disabling potentially dangerous apps like the CommonAdmin virus, and eventually ensures full recovery of possibly-affected directories on your Mac. 

However, if the app does not correspond to the malware definition that is inbuilt in the anti-malware tool, this program may remain undetected. In this case, you will have to remove CommonAdmin manually. For this purpose, you should follow these steps: 

1. Open the Utilities folder and launch Activity Monitor.
2. Find the CommonAdmin virus on the list (or another unfamiliar program). Click on it and select the Quit Process option.
3. Click on the Force Quit button on the dialog window. 
4. After that, click Go button and select Applications.
5. In the Applications list, look for the CommonAdmin entry. Once found, right-click on it and select Move to Trash. You might be asked to enter a user password, thus enter it.
6. Launch the Apple menu (Apple icon on the top left corner) and select System Preferences.
7. In the System Preferences go to Accounts and select Login Items. In the appeared list look for the Advanced Mac Cleaner and click on the “-” button.

When CommonAdmin removal is completed, we strongly recommend checking the list of installed apps one more time. There may be other suspicious entries awaiting removal. 

You may remove virus damage with a help of Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.