New Android Spyware Uses Turla-Linked Infrastructure

Lab52 security researchers have dissected a new piece of Android malware that they discovered while analyzing infrastructure associated with Russian cyberespionage group Turla.

While it’s the only malware family to connect to a specific IP address associated with Turla, the spyware can’t be attributed to the infamous APT, “given its threat capabilities,” Lab52 says.

Once installed on a victim’s phone, the malware poses as Process Manager and shows a gear-shaped icon. However, the icon is removed after the threat’s initial run.

When executed for the first time, the malware asks for an extensive set of permissions, which essentially provide it with full access to the device and user data.

The malware requests access to screen lock/unlock, device location, network settings, camera, audio settings, call logs, contacts, external storage, SMS messages, phone state, and audio recording, as well as permissions to set the device global proxy and display on the foreground.

[ READ: Over 100 Million Android Users Installed ‘Dark Herring’ Scamware ]

After the application has been configured, tasks are executed to steal data from the device and add it to a JSON. The malware also collects information on the installed packages and on the permissions the user has for each package.

After collecting all of the needed information, the malware contacts its command and control (C&C) server, after which it sends the harvested data to the server.

The malware was also observed attempting to download and install an application called Rozdhan from a specific location. Also found in Google Play, the application is supposedly designed to help users earn money, which suggests that the attackers may attempt to use it as means to monetize the device access.

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