ANDROIDOS_SMSSPY.A

October 09, 2012
 Analysis by: Cris Nowell Pantanilla
 THREAT SUBTYPE:

Spying Tool

 PLATFORM:

Android OS

 OVERALL RISK RATING:
 DAMAGE POTENTIAL:
 DISTRIBUTION POTENTIAL:
 REPORTED INFECTION:

  • Threat Type: Spyware

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted: Yes

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This application steals information and may be used to track the device's location without the knowledge of the user.

This spyware may be manually installed by a user.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

18,282 bytes

File Type:

DEX

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

18 Mar 2011

Arrival Details

This spyware may be manually installed by a user.

NOTES:

This application is capable of sending information to a remote user. It has the name SMS Spy under the package name de.mobinauten.smsspy. Once the pre-configured message of “How are you???” is received by the affected device, it will respond to the attacker/sender with the following 3 SMS messages:

1. Confirmation that the device receives the request.
2. GPS and address of the device location.
3. a Google Map link of the device location.

By creating a new contact "systemnumber" with the mobile's own number. The sent message to activate the application will not be shown to the user. Thus, this routine allows the application to run in the device without the user's knowledge.

This application is not totally malicious and may be use for locating mobile devices. However, be aware that this may be used as a spyware because it runs in the background without user's knowledge and allows sending of information.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

8.900

TMMS Pattern File:

1.105.00

TMMS Pattern Date:

11 Jun 2011

Step 1

Trend Micro Mobile Security Solution

Trend Micro Mobile Security Personal Edition protects Android smartphones and tablets from malicious and Trojanized applications. The App Scanner is free and detects malicious and Trojanized apps as they are downloaded, while SmartSurfing blocks malicious websites using your device's Android browser.

Download and install the Trend Micro Mobile Security App via Google Play.

Step 2

Remove unwanted apps on your Android mobile device

[ Learn More ]

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