Chameleon Device-Takeover Malware Attacking IT Employees

Researchers have identified a new Chameleon campaign targeting hospitality employees, where the attackers employed a deceptive tactic, disguising malicious software as a CRM app. 

File names uploaded to VirusTotal revealed evidence of targeted attacks, including a reference to a prominent international restaurant chain. This suggests a tailored approach to compromising specific organizations within the hospitality industry. 

Conventions regarding the naming of droppers and payloads indicate that the campaign is aimed at the hospitality industry and possibly more general business-to-consumer sectors. 

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Successful infection of devices with corporate banking access grants the Chameleon malware control over business accounts, posing a significant organizational risk.

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The campaign’s focus on CRM-related employee roles likely increases the probability of such access, making them high-value targets for attackers. 

A newly identified dropper capable of circumventing Android 13’s security restrictions marks a critical evolution in banking Trojan capabilities. 

This development underscores the increasing accessibility of Android bypass techniques following the public release of BrokewellDropper’s source code.

Upon activation, a malicious dropper presents a fraudulent CRM login screen demanding an employee ID. Subsequently, a deceptive prompt encourages application reinstallation, which is subterfuge, while the application secretly installs a Chameleon payload. 

The payload circumvents the fortified security measures implemented in Android 13 and later versions, specifically targeting accessibility service restrictions to establish a covert foothold within the device. 

A malicious actor deployed a fake website post-installation, prompting users for credentials.

Upon submission, the website displayed an error message indicating potential credential harvesting or further malicious activity beyond credential acquisition. 

Chameleon malware, actively operating in the background, employs keylogging to steal credentials and sensitive information. It poses a significant threat that can be exploited for further attacks or sold illicitly. 

Mobile Threat Intelligence has identified Chameleon targeting specific financial institutions, disguising itself as a security app to install a fraudulent security certificate, emphasizing the malware’s evolving tactics and the critical need for robust countermeasures. 

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting employees of B2C businesses to gain access to business banking accounts via mobile devices.

As exemplified by malware like Chameleon, the proliferation of mobile banking products for SMEs creates new opportunities for attackers. 

According to ThreatFabric, financial institutions must proactively educate business customers about these threats, emphasizing the potential consequences of malware infection. 

By implementing robust anomaly detection systems and malware detection capabilities, banks can enhance visibility into customer accounts, safeguarding assets from unauthorized access and fraudulent activities. 

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