Dangerous Android Malware Targets 232 Banking Apps (Axis,HDFC,SBI,ICICI) and Cryptocurrency Apps

A new Android banking Trojan identified targeting more that 232 mobile banking apps and major Indian banks mobile app.

The malware detected by Quick Heal as Android.banker.A2f8a. It is distributed through third-party stores via a fake flash player app and through the play store.

It’s targeting Banking apps,Crypto currency apps and other financial apps that belongs to Amazon Shopping, Airbnb, Poker Stars etc.

Malware designed as like any another banking malware and it has the following capabilities.

• Display an overlay of legitimate apps to steal credentials.
• Uploading contacts lists and SMS to MAlicious C&C servers.
• Hijacking SMS(checking foP responses)

Android Malware Infection

If the app installed it throws successive popups until it gets admin rights, even if the user kills the process. Once it obtains permission form user it hides the app and carryout malicious tasks.

It checks for the targeted apps in the phone and if it finds any targeted apps it shows the fake popup on behalf of the targeted banking app and if user clicks on it then shows a fake login screen requesting login details.

According to Quick Heal researchers, the malware is capable of performing following commands from the C&C server.

Send_GO_SMS	Send an SMS
GetSWSGO	Collect all SMS from the device
nymBePsG0	Upload list of contacts to a malicious server
telbookgotext	Send SMS to all contacts with the text from its command
StartAutoPush	Show fake notification
RequestPermissionInj	ACCESSIBILITY Permission
RequestPermissionGPS	GPS Permission
killBot	Set all URLs null in Shared Preferences
getIP	Upload location to a malicious server
ussd	Send a USSD request

It shows a fake notification with title “Urgent message!” & text: “Confirm your account” if the user clicked on the notification it takes to the login page. Also, the malware silences the phone, hijacks SMS for OTP details and capable of send SMS. Quick heal published the Technical analysis.

List of Mobile banking Apps that targeted in India

axis.mobile (Axis Mobile)
sap work.hdfc (HDFC Bank MobileBanking)
sbi.SBIFreedomPlus (SBI Anywhere Personal)
hdfcquickbank (HDFC Bank MobileBanking LITE)
csam.icici.bank.imobile (iMobile by ICICI Bank)
snapwork.IDBI (IDBI Bank GO Mobile+)
idbibank.abhay_card (Abhay by IDBI Bank Ltd)
com.idbi (IDBI Bank GO Mobile)
idbi.mpassbook (IDBI Bank mPassbook)
co.bankofbaroda.mpassbook (Baroda mPassbook)
unionbank.ecommerce.mobile.android (Union Bank Mobile Banking)
unionbank.ecommerce.mobile.commercial.legacy (Union Bank Commercial Clients )

Popular Targeted Shopping Apps

amazon.mShop.android.shopping (Amazon Shopping)
amazon.windowshop (Amazon for Tablets)
eBay.mobile (eBay: Buy & Sell. Explore Discount Shopping Deals)
airbnb.android (Airbnb)
scores365 (365Scores: Sports Scores Live)

IoC of Attack

App Name: Flash Player
Package name: yqyJqWdtdf.UOaOrquyRDgLFgGueha
MD5: 29cf5cc309c2e29b6afd63eb5ab8fbd2
Size: 115 KB

Common Defences On Mobile Threats

Give careful consideration to the permission asked for by applications.
Download applications from trusted sources.
Stay up with the latest version.
Encrypt your devices.
Make frequent backups of important data.
Install anti-malware on their devices.
Stay strict with CIA Cycle.