Cerberus Android Trojan

First observed in June 2019, Cerberus is a modular Android trojan-as-a-service sold on a number of hacking forums.

Threat ID:: CC-3185
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:: Download
Published:: 15 August 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

First observed in June 2019, Cerberus is a modular Android trojan-as-a-service sold on a number of hacking forums.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Android

Google Android - All versions

Threat details

As with most Android malware, Cerberus is delivered disguised as legitimate applications via the Google Play application store or third-party. When downloaded, it will disable Google Play Protect security services before hiding itself on the device.

Once installed, Cerberus will attempt to extract user credentials and financial information from other applications on the device. It will also attempt to phish user information when a number of banking-related websites are visited. Certain variants of Cerberus are able to log keystrokes, and forward calls and messages.

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	To prevent and detect a trojan infection, ensure that: 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

To prevent and detect a trojan infection, ensure that:

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: 14 February 2020 2:54 pm