How to remove the AbstractEmu malware?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is AbstractEmu?
AbstractEmu is the name of rooting malware that can gain privileged access to the Android operating system. Threat actors behind AbstractEmu are using legitimate-looking apps (like password managers, app launchers, data savers) to trick users into downloading and opening/executing this malware.
AbstractEmu in detail
AbstractEmu is activated when an unsuspecting user opens the infected app (for example, Data Saver, All Passwords, Phone Plus). Once a device is infected, AbstractEmu tries to obtain root access, allowing the attackers to grant themselves various permissions, install other malware, and access sensitive data saved on other apps.
By rooting the infected device, AbstractEmu malware can silently modify it and receive commands from Command and Control server allowing the attackers to install packages, track notifications, take screenshots, record screen, disable Google Play Protect, reset the device password (or lock the device), and some other things.
Also, AbstractEmu uses Magisk (its components) for further root access and installs a new app (a package manager) that gives threat actors permission to access contacts, call logs, SMS messages, location, camera, microphone, and allows to reduce the security of the infected Android device.
| Name | AbstractEmu rooting malware |
| Threat Type | Android malware, malicious application, unwanted application. |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Android.Riskware.SpyAgent.BG), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Android/AbstractEmu.A), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.AndroidOS.Agent.li), Microsoft (Trojan:AndroidOS/AbstractEmu.A), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | The device is running slow, system settings are modified without user's permission, questionable applications appear, data and battery usage is increased significantly, browsers redirect to questionable websites, intrusive advertisements are delivered. |
| Distribution methods | Trojanized apps available on Google Play, third-party stores like Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, social media platforms, forums. |
| Damage | Stolen personal information (private messages, logins/passwords, etc.), decreased device performance, battery is drained quickly, decreased Internet speed, huge data losses, monetary losses, stolen identity, additional infections |
| Malware Removal (Android) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your mobile device with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
AbstractEmu in general
By using the capabilities of the AbstractEmu rooting malware cybercriminals could perform phishing attacks, access information that would allow them to access various accounts, install additional malware, and more. A couple examples of other android malware are PixStealer, Vultur, and Sandro.
How did AbstractEmu infiltrate my device?
AbstractEmu was found on Google Play and third-party stores such as Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, and some lesser-known app stores, social media platforms, and Android-related forums. It is distributed using legitimate-looking applications. Android devices get infected with AbstractEmu when users open those applications.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Malware attacks can be avoided by keeping the operating system updated and downloading mobile applications from official stores. It is also recommended to use a reputable security software for protection.
Quick menu:
- Introduction
- How to delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser?
- How to disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser?
- How to reset the Chrome web browser?
- How to delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser?
- How to disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser?
- How to reset the Firefox web browser?
- How to uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications?
- How to boot the Android device in "Safe Mode"?
- How to check the battery usage of various applications?
- How to check the data usage of various applications?
- How to install the latest software updates?
- How to reset the system to its default state?
- How to disable applications that have administrator privileges?
Delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.
Tap "Clear browsing data", select "ADVANCED" tab, choose the time range and data types you want to delete and tap "Clear data".
Disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "Settings" in the opened dropdown menu.
Scroll down until you see "Site settings" option and tap it. Scroll down until you see "Notifications" option and tap it.
Find the websites that deliver browser notifications, tap on them and click "Clear & reset". This will remove permissions granted for these websites to deliver notifications. However, once you visit the same site again, it may ask for a permission again. You can choose whether to give these permissions or not (if you choose to decline the website will go to "Blocked" section and will no longer ask you for the permission).
Reset the Chrome web browser:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you find "Chrome" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.
Tap "MANAGE STORAGE", then "CLEAR ALL DATA" and confirm the action by taping "OK". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.
Delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.
Scroll down until you see "Clear private data" and tap it. Select data types you want to remove and tap "CLEAR DATA".
Disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser:
Visit the website that is delivering browser notifications, tap the icon displayed on the left of URL bar (the icon will not necessarily be a "Lock") and select "Edit Site Settings".
In the opened pop-up opt-in the "Notifications" option and tap "CLEAR".
Reset the Firefox web browser:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you find "Firefox" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.
Tap "CLEAR DATA" and confirm the action by taping "DELETE". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.
Uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see a potentially unwanted and/or malicious application, select it and tap "Uninstall". If, for some reason, you are unable to remove the selected app (e.g., you are prompted with an error message), you should try using the "Safe Mode".
Boot the Android device in "Safe Mode":
The "Safe Mode" in Android operating system temporarily disables all third-party applications from running. Using this mode is a good way to diagnose and solve various issues (e.g., remove malicious applications that prevent users you from doing so when the device is running "normally").
Push the "Power" button and hold it until you see the "Power off" screen. Tap the "Power off" icon and hold it. After a few seconds the "Safe Mode" option will appear and you'll be able run it by restarting the device.
Check the battery usage of various applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Device maintenance" and tap it.
Tap "Battery" and check the usage of each application. Legitimate/genuine applications are designed to use as low energy as possible in order to provide the best user experience and to save power. Therefore, high battery usage may indicate that the application is malicious.
Check the data usage of various applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Connections" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Data usage" and select this option. As with battery, legitimate/genuine applications are designed to minimize data usage as much as possible. This means that huge data usage may indicate presence of malicious application. Note that some malicious applications might be designed to operate when the device is connected to wireless network only. For this reason, you should check both Mobile and Wi-Fi data usage.
If you find an application that uses a lot of data even though you never use it, then we strongly advise you to uninstall it as soon as possible.
Install the latest software updates:
Keeping the software up-to-date is a good practice when it comes to device safety. The device manufacturers are continually releasing various security patches and Android updates in order to fix errors and bugs that can be abused by cyber criminals. An outdated system is way more vulnerable, which is why you should always be sure that your device's software is up-to-date.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Software update" and tap it.
Tap "Download updates manually" and check if there are any updates available. If so, install them immediately. We also recommend to enable the "Download updates automatically" option - it will enable the system to notify you once an update is released and/or install it automatically.
Reset the system to its default state:
Performing a "Factory Reset" is a good way to remove all unwanted applications, restore system's settings to default and clean the device in general. However, you must keep in mind that all data within the device will be deleted, including photos, video/audio files, phone numbers (stored within the device, not the SIM card), SMS messages, and so forth. In other words, the device will be restored to its primal state.
You can also restore the basic system settings and/or simply network settings as well.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "About phone" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Reset" and tap it. Now choose the action you want to perform:
"Reset settings" - restore all system settings to default;
"Reset network settings" - restore all network-related settings to default;
"Factory data reset" - reset the entire system and completely delete all stored data;
Disable applications that have administrator privileges:
If a malicious application gets administrator-level privileges it can seriously damage the system. To keep the device as safe as possible you should always check what apps have such privileges and disable the ones that shouldn't.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Lock screen and security" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Other security settings", tap it and then tap "Device admin apps".
Identify applications that should not have administrator privileges, tap them and then tap "DEACTIVATE".
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My device is infected with AbstractEmu malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
It is not necessary to format the storage device to get rid of AbstractEmu. This malware can be removed without formatting.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
It depends on the type of malware. It could be used to steal identities, online accounts, money, infect devices with additional malware, distribute malware, and so on.
What is the purpose of AbstractEmu malware?
The purpose of AbstractEmu is to provide the attackers the privileged access to the Android operating system using the rooting process. It can access SMS messages, call logs, contacts, camera, microphone, install additional malware or other unwanted software, access sensitive information on the installed applications, and perform other actions without the interference of a victim.
How did AbstractEmu malware infiltrate my device?
AbstractEmu is distributed through infected applications (for example, Data Saver, All Passwords, Phone Plus). Those applications are (or were) available on Google Play and third-party stores such as Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, other app stores, social media platforms, Android-related forums. AbstractEmu infects devices when users open one of the trojanized applications downloaded from/through the aforementioned sources.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion