Android GravityRAT Spyware Steals WhatsApp Backup Files

Since August 2022, a recently discovered Android virus named “GravityRAT” has rapidly circulated through a new Android malware campaign. 

It gains access to phones by disguising itself as a fraudulent chat app called ‘BingeChat‘ in order to steal users’ sensitive data.

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ESET researcher Lukas Stefanko discovered that the latest version of GravityRAT now steals WhatsApp backup files.

The creation of WhatsApp backups is intended to facilitate the migration of users’ message history, media files, and data to different or new devices.

While it’s crucial to be aware that these backups may include unencrypted sensitive data like:-

• Text
• Video
• Photos
• Documents

Technical analysis

Since 2015, GravityRAT has been active and in operation, but it shifted its focus to Android devices in 2020 for the very first time.

The spyware is exclusively utilized by ‘SpaceCobra,’ its operators, for selected operations with specific targets.

The spyware disguises itself as a chat application called ‘BingeChat,’ which claims to offer:-

• End-to-end encryption
• A user-friendly interface
• Advanced functionalities

The delivery of the app occurs through the website “bingechat[.]net” or other available platforms.

However, downloading it requires an invitation, prompting visitors to register a new account or provide sensitive data like credentials.

Presently, registrations are closed, and this method is employed solely for the purpose of targeting specific people with the distribution of malicious apps.

In 2021, the operators of GravityRAT once again employed the tactic of promoting malicious Android APKs to their targets.

This time, they utilized a chat app called ‘SoSafe,’ while a previous app named ‘Travel Mate Pro‘ was used before that.

Stefanko discovered that the app is a modified version of OMEMO IM, which is an authentic open-source instant messaging application for Android but is now infused with a trojan.

It was revealed by an ESET analyst that SpaceCobra employed a fraudulent app called “Chatico.”

This app was distributed to targeted individuals through the website “chatico.co[.]uk” during the summer of 2022.

Permissions asked

Upon installation on the target’s device, BingeChat requests permissions that pose potential risks. The permissions include access to the following:-

• Contacts
• Location
• Phone
• SMS
• Storage
• Call logs
• Camera
• Microphone

As instant messaging apps commonly require these permissions, they are unlikely to trigger suspicion or seem strange to the targeted individual.

When a user attempts to register on BingeChat, the app transfers the following details automatically to a C2 server operated by the threat actor:-

• Call logs
• Contact lists
• SMS messages
• Device location
• Basic device information

As a safety measure, it is advised that users must avoid downloading any APKs from other unknown or unreliable sources.

Additionally, it is important to exercise caution and be vigilant regarding app permissions during installation.

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