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GPlayed Android Trojan

First observed in September 2018, GPlayed is a modular trojan targeting Android mobile devices. Written using the Xamarin development environment, it appears to be in active testing at the time of publication.
Threat ID:
CC-2723
Category:
Trojan
Threat Severity:
Low
Threat Vector:
Published:
15 October 2018 12:00 AM
Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

This content has been archived

This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.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

First observed in September 2018, GPlayed is a modular trojan targeting Android mobile devices. Written using the Xamarin development environment, it appears to be in active testing at the time of publication.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Android

  • Google Android - All versions

Threat details

GPlayed is delivered either as a direct download on an already compromised device or disguised as a legitimate application through the Google Play Store.

Once installed, GPlayed will connect to a command and control server before disguising itself as "Google Play Marketplace" and asking the user for full permissions. GPlayed has extensive native capabilities, including:

  • Collection of user and contact information.
  • Making calls and sending SMS messages.
  • Injecting JavaScript code.
  • Exfiltrate payment information and banking credentials
  • Resetting and locking the device.

GPlayed also has the ability to load new modules to add extra features, although at present none have been observed in the wild.

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, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date.
  • Regular anti-virus and security scans are performed on your organisation’s estate.
  • 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 12:44 pm