Banking malware with screen locking capabilities targeting all versions of Android

Android clients were the goal of another banking malware with screen locking abilities, taking on the appearance of a flashlight application on Google Play.

Dissimilar to other banking trojans with a static arrangement of targeted banking applications, this trojan can progressively change its usefulness.

The trojan, detected by ESET as Trojan.Android/Charger.B, was added to Google Play on March 30.

The malware can influence all versions of Android. As a result of its dynamic nature, there may be no restriction to targeted applications.It was installed by up to 5,000 clueless clients before being pulled from the store on ESET’s notice on April 10.

How does it work?

Besides conveying guaranteed flashlight function, the remotely controlled trojan accompanies an assortment of extra capacities used for stealing victims Banking credentials.

Once the app is installed and launched, it requests device administrator rights.Once the permissions provide application hides and will be available only with the Widget.

Based on commands from C&C server, the trojan can show fake screens mirroring true applications, lock contaminated device to hide away false action and capture SMS and show fake notices with a specific end goal to sidestep two-factor Authentication.

The actual payload is encrypted in the assets of the APK file installed from Google Play, evading detection of its malicious functionality. The payload is dropped, decrypted and executed when the victim runs the app. ESET Says

On the off chance that the sent data demonstrates the gadget is situated in Russia, Ukraine or Belarus, the C&C charges the malware to stop its action – most probably to avoid litigation of the attacks in their nations of origin.

Based on our ESET researchers, the app is a modified version of Android/Charger, first discovered by Check Point researchers in January 2017.

Malware communicates with C&C through Firebase Cloud Messages(FCM) communication channel.

How to clean from Infected device

This Malicious app can be found in Application Manager. It can be located easily but hard to remove as it doesn’t allow victims turn off the active device administrator

Setting > Application Manager/Apps > Flashlight Widget.

Sample: com.flashscary.widget CA04233F2D896A59B718E19B13E3510017420A6D Android/Charger.B

Common Defences 

• To stay secure use a reputable mobile security solution to detect and remove the threats.
• Do download apps only from the official market.
• Before downloading, check for the number of installs, ratings and, most importantly, the content of reviews.

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