BianLian Android Dropper

BianLian is a newly identified modular Android dropper that has been used in several recent banking trojan campaigns.

Threat ID:: CC-2771
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:: Download
Published:: 7 November 2018 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

BianLian is a newly identified modular Android dropper that has been used in several recent banking trojan campaigns.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Android

Google Android - All versions

Threat details

As with most Android malware, BianLian is downloaded from the Google Play Store disguised as a number of seemingly legitimate applications. It can also be delivered as an Android Package (APK) file direct from malicious links.

Once installed, BianLian will contact a command and control server using the Firebase Cloud Messaging service before deploying the payload. Payloads appear to be stored as binaries within the BianLian application, meaning that a new BianLian version must be produced in order for a different payload to be delivered.

As well as providing a means for threat actors to install their malware on affected devices, BianLian is also able to:

send and receive calls or SMS messages
execute commands and scripts
lock the user out of the device
perform code injection or overlay attacks

Remediation advice

Users are advised to only install trusted applications on their devices. Organisations should consider restricting user accounts on corporate devices or using application whitelisting. 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. 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.

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 12:38 pm