Removing Xenomorph banking malware from your Android device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Xenomorph malware?
Discovered by the cybercrime prevention company ThreatFabric, Xenomorph is an Android malware that targets banking information.
According to our research, this malicious program is still in the development stages. However, it already has over fifty European banks on its target list. This malware's operations include multiple financial/banking institutions in Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and Spain.
At the time of writing, Xenomorph was heavily distributed through a system performance-enhancing app available on the Google Play Store.
Xenomorph overview
Xenomorph employs the Android Accessibility Services to gain control over the infected device. These services are designed to provide extra aid for users to interact with their devices, e.g., they can read the screen, simulate the touchscreen, and perform other actions. Therefore, Xenomorph requests permission to use the Accessibility Services. Upon being allowed - it abuses the services to perform malicious actions.
When we researched this malware, it was distributed through an application called "Fast Cleaner" (that downloaded Xenomorph only after installation); hence, this app asked permission to use the Android Accessibility Services.
The malicious program is capable of displaying overlay windows that are presented as the targeted app (e.g., specific online banking application), thereby collecting the log-in credentials typed by users. Xenomorph can also obtain single-use passwords, e.g., ones employed to increase banking software security. This malware can manage notifications and SMSes (text messages), e.g., record, intercept, and so on.
There is evidence that Xenomorph may be updated with additional data-stealing functionalities such as keylogging (keystroke recording), as its code includes traces of such commands (information on updated variants can be found below).
To summarize, such malicious programs infiltrated into a device can cause decreased system performance, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and lead to identity theft. If it is suspected/known that Xenomorph (or other malware) has already infected the system, we strongly advise using an anti-virus to remove it without delay.
| Name | Xenomorph virus |
| Threat Type | Android malware, malicious application, unwanted application. |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), DrWeb (Android.BankBot.11487), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Android/TrojanDropper.Agent.J), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.AndroidOS.Boogr.gsh), 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 | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, deceptive applications, scam websites. |
| 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 (malicious apps might abuse communication apps). |
| Malware Removal (Android) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your mobile device with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Android malware examples
We have analyzed dozens of Android-specific malicious programs; Wroba, Medusa, Basbanke, and SharkBot are but a few examples. Malware can have a wide variety of harmful functionalities, which can be in different combinations. Regardless of how malicious software operates, its presence on a device endangers system integrity and user safety.
How did Xenomorph infiltrate my device?
At the time of research, Xenomorph was proliferated via the Google Play Store. Specifically, the platform hosted an application called "Fast Cleaner". It evaded detection of the Play Store by downloading Xenomorph after installation. However, other disguises and distribution methods are possible.
Generally, malware is spread using phishing and social engineering tactics. The most common distribution techniques include: spam mail, drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, unofficial and freeware download sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, online scams, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
To elaborate on some of them, spam mail (e.g., emails, SMSes, etc.) can have infectious files attached to them. Alternatively, they can contain links that redirect to malicious websites designed to trick users into downloading/installing malware or ones capable of doing so without direct user interaction. These files can be executables, archives, PDF and Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript, etc. When a virulent file is opened - the infection chain is triggered.
"Cracking" tools can infect systems instead of activating licensed programs. Fraudulent updaters cause infections by exploiting outdated software flaws and/or by installing malware.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We strongly advise researching software, e.g., avoiding content making ludicrous promises, reading user reviews, etc. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Another recommendation is activating and updating software using tools/functions provided by legitimate developers.
It is crucial to exercise caution with incoming mail. The attachments and links present in suspicious emails, SMSes, and other messages - must not be opened, as that can lead to a system infection.
We must stress the importance of having a dependable anti-virus installed. Security programs must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove threats/issues.
Appearance of the permissions asked by Xenomorph malware under the guise of the "Fast Cleaner" app:
Update March 13, 2023 – new variants of Xenomorph malware have been released. It is more accurate to say that they are rewrites rather than updated versions. These variants are more flexible and focus strongly on automated processes. The latter means that Xenomorph is capable of stealing information, log-in credentials, bank account balances, as well as performing fund transfers and banking transactions – automatically.
Most alarmingly, this malware is capable of extracting data from third-party authentication apps, which allows Xenomorph to obtain 2FA/MFA (two/multi-factor authentication) codes.
Its target list has also expanded to over four hundred online banks from the original fifty; the list includes (but is not limited to) American Express, Amex, Chase, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, National Bank of Canada, Santander, UniCredit, Wells Fargo, etc.
These Xenomorph variants can also extract credentials from over thirteen cryptocurrency wallets, e.g., Binance, BitPay, Coinbase, KuCoin, etc. Furthermore, this malware targets Internet cookies in a process intended to culminate in the theft of various accounts.
Update September 29, 2023 – Xenomorph has incorporated new functionalities, including an antisleep feature, a mimic feature, and a ClickOnPoint feature. The antisleep feature enables malicious actors to set a flag in the shared preferences file, instructing the malware to keep the device awake without the screen turning off.
The mimic feature, activated when the malware is launched, checks for mimic mode. If active, it automatically initiates another activity as specified in the start_mimic command's parameters. This allows the malware to imitate any other application, eliminating a typical behavior associated with malware.
The ClickOnPoint feature equips Xenomorph with the capability to simulate a simple touch at designated coordinates. This permits cybercriminals to execute small actions without the need to create a complete ATS module.
It is also known that cybercriminals now use phishing pages posing as a Chrome update to distribute Xenomorph.
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 Android device is infected with Xenomorph malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, formatting is unnecessary for Xenomorph's removal.
What are the biggest issues that Xenomorph malware can cause?
The dangers a malicious program poses depend on its abilities and the cyber criminals' aims. Xenomorph is classified as banking malware, and as such, it possesses various information-stealing capabilities. Therefore, the primary threats of Xenomorph infections include severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Xenomorph malware?
Most malicious software attacks are designed to generate revenue for the attackers, which likely applies to Xenomorph since it is a banking malware. In general, malicious programs can also be released for the cyber criminals' amusement, to disrupt specific processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), due to personal vendettas or political/geopolitical motivations, and so forth.
How did Xenomorph malware infiltrate my computer?
Xenomorph has been observed being proliferated under the guise of a device performance enhancing application - distributed via the Google Play Store. Other commonly used malware distribution techniques include: drive-by downloads, spam mail, freeware and third-party download channels, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), fake updates, and online scams.
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