Malicious Apps on the Google Play Store

Recent reports regarding the Google Play Store suggest a new influx of malicious software disguised as legitimate applications. Three in particular are of concern: Grabos, TrojanDropper.Agent.BKY and AsiaHitGroup.

Threat ID:: CC-1807
Category:: PUP/PUA, Trojan
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:: Download
Published:: 23 November 2017 12:00 AM

Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

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Summary

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Android

Google Android - All Versions
Google Chrome OS - All Versions

Threat details

All 3 threats enable further attacks against a device or user, with two of them having the capability to download and execute files directly. Grabos is a trojan distributed as part of file explorer or music player applications that collects information on a device’s specification and location before sending it to a command and control (C2) server. This information could then be used to facilitate further malware or social engineering attacks. Grabos can also avoid detection by updating its settings daily and examining whether the device state allows it to run code undetected.

TrojanDropper.Agent.BKY acts as a dropper for other malware. It contains an encrypted payload, which, when downloaded, it decrypts and executes. This then presents a user with a prompt to install an additional app which contains the final payload. The final payload, typically containing a banking trojan, can then install with the permissions it needs.

AsiaHitGroup infects “Utilities” (clocks, file explorers, etc) apps and attempts to analyse a device’s location using a GeoIP search site. Once it has collected this information it downloads Trojan.SMS.Asia.Hit.Group, a secondary payload that intercepts text messages, and maintains persistence on the device.

Remediation advice

To prevent and detect a trojan infection, ensure that:

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails. All operating systems, antivirus and other security products are kept up to date. All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts. Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged. Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity. User accounts accessed from infected machines should be reset on a clean computer In addition to this users should take care to only provides applications with as few permissions as possible and to not share contact details with applications unless necessary.

Type

Step

A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
All operating systems, antivirus and other security products are kept up to date.
All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged.
Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
User accounts accessed from infected machines should be reset on a clean computer

In addition to this users should take care to only provides applications with as few permissions as possible and to not share contact details with applications unless necessary.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 11:34 am