Roaming Mantis Malware

Roaming Mantis is a newly observed spyware tool that uses DNS hijacking to compromise Android devices.

Threat ID:: CC-2305
Category:: Spyware
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:: Exploit
Published:: 26 April 2018 12:00 AM

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

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This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information. Use of this information contained in this page is at your own risk

Summary

Roaming Mantis is a newly observed spyware tool that uses DNS hijacking to compromise Android devices.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Android

Google Android - All versions
Apple iOS - All versions

Threat details

At the time of publication it is unclear how the attacker behind Roaming Mantis compromises routers, although it is likely a number of known vulnerabilities are exploited or brute-force attacks are used. They will alter the DNS settings of the affected router to redirect connected users to a convincing copy of the destination website, complete with correct URL. Pop-up messages will then ask the user to update their browser, initiating the Roaming Mantis APK download.

Once installed on a device Roaming Mantis will ask for full permissions. If granted, it will collect account information, contact lists, call records and SMS messages. It will also place overlays on login pages to aid in phishing attempts.

Threat updates

Date	Update
24 May 2018	Roaming Mantis has now been expanded to target countries using any of a list of 27 languages (including English). It can also infect iOS devices and install a cryptocurrency miner.

Remediation advice

To prevent and detect 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, anti-virus 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 affected devices should be reset on a clean computer. Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security. Additionally, organisations should ensure their DNS entries remain unchanged on Internet-facing devices; and that management interfaces are only accessible from internet networks or utilise IP white listing where possible.

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, anti-virus 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 affected devices should be reset on a clean computer.
Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Additionally, organisations should ensure their DNS entries remain unchanged on Internet-facing devices; and that management interfaces are only accessible from internet networks or utilise IP white listing where possible.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:53 pm