Red Alert Android Malware

Red Alert Is an Android-based malware which uses spam emails to spread infected Android Package Kit (APK) files to gain administration access to the device.

Threat ID:: CC-2514
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:: Download
Published:: 27 June 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This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.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

Red Alert Is an Android-based malware which uses spam emails to spread infected Android Package Kit (APK) files to gain administration access to the device.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Android

Google Android - Marshmallow 6.0 and later

Threat details

The malware propagates via a phishing campaign claiming that the email attachment is a dating app. Once the file has been downloaded a message will ask for the application to have administration privileges, if this is accepted then the device will attempt to connect to a command and control (C2) Server using HTTP POST requests.

Red Alert will then have admin access to the device allowing it to send and intercept SMS messages along with accessing all the data that is on the device which can be sent back to the C2 Server.

Remediation advice

To prevent and detect an 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. 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.

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.
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.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:53 pm