Removing software causing redirects to ubersear.ch from your Android device

What is ubersear[.]ch?

Ubersear[.]ch is the address of a fake search engine. Typically, websites of this kind are promoted by browser-hijacking software that modifies browser settings to cause such redirects.

However, ubersear[.]ch was observed being pushed by an Android-targeting malware called "Ads Blocker". This malicious app overlayed the browser to cause redirects. However, "Ads Blocker" is also capable of displaying deceptive calendar events and fake pop-up notifications.

Ubersear[.]ch redirect overview

When we tested the "Ads Blocker" malware, it overlaid the device's browser. The Web browsing application displayed two URL bars, and when a search query was entered - the bottom one showed the default search engine's URL, while the topmost bar - the actual redirection chain occurring. In this manner, the "Ads Blocker" malware promoted ubersear[.]ch.

This illegitimate search engine can provide inaccurate search results full of various advertisements (likely advertising untrustworthy, scam, and malicious content).

It is noteworthy that "Ads Blocker" also hijacked the device's calendars and created hundreds of deceptive events, pushing likewise harmful online content. For the same purpose, the malware also employed fake notifications, some of which even imitated legitimate apps (e.g., Messenger, etc.).

To summarize, the presence of fake search engine promoting software on devices can result in system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

If you experience continuous redirects to ubersear[.]ch and suspect that your device is infected with "Ads Blocker" (or other malicious software) - we advise you to use an anti-virus and remove it without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	ubersear.ch browser hijacker
Threat Type	Android Malware, Malicious Application, Unwanted Application, Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker.
Detection Names (ubersear[.]ch)	Heimdal Security (Malicious), Full List (VirusTotal)
Serving IP Address (ubersear[.]ch)	192.241.228.85
Detection Names (malicious installer)	Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Android/TrojanDropper.Agent.KEQ), Fortinet (Android/Agent.KEQ!tr), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:UDS:AdWare.AndroidOS.FakeAd), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Android To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

How do browser hijackers promote fake search engines

Generally, fake search engines are promoted by browser hijackers. This software assigns such sites as the browsers' default search engine, homepage, and new tab/window URLs. Hence, when users open a new browser tab/window or use the URL bar to search the Web - they experience rogue redirects to illegitimate search engines (e.g., ubersear[.]ch).

Most of the promotes sites cannot provide search results and redirect to Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other genuine search engines.

Furthermore, browser-hijacking software and the websites it promotes - typically collect private data. Information of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc. The gathered data can then be monetized via sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

How did ubersear[.]ch promoting software infiltrate my device?

Unwanted and malicious software is proliferated using various deceptive techniques. It is typically disguised as or bundled with ordinary programs/media.

The most commonly used distribution methods include: untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), malicious attachments and links found in spam mail (e.g., emails, SMSes, DMs/PMs, etc.), online scams, drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, fake updates, illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and malvertising.

It is noteworthy that cyber criminals have been noted using genuine download platforms (e.g., Google Play Store, etc.) to spread malware. While the review teams may quickly remove the malicious content, the criminals often employ different tactics to avoid detection and continue using legitimate platforms.

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly recommend researching software before download/installation and/or purchase, e.g., by reading terms and expert/user reviews, checking out necessary permissions, verifying developer legitimacy, etc. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official/verified channels. It is crucial to activate and update software by using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updaters can contain malware.

Another recommendation is to exercise caution with incoming emails, text messages, DMs/PMs, etc. The attachments and links present in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be malicious and cause system infections. We also advise being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears genuine and harmless.

We must stress the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats and issues.

Appearance of a redirect to the ubersear[.]ch website(GIF):

Appearance of the "Ads Blocker" malicious application (nameless app without an icon) that promotes ubersear[.]ch:

Website promoting the "Ads Blocker" malicious application:

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".

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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).

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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.

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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".

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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".

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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.

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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".

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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;

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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)

What is the purpose of forcing users to visit ubersear[.]ch website?

Sites like ubersear[.]ch promote deceptive/malicious content and collect private data - hence, cyber criminals generate revenue through redirects to such websites.

Is visiting ubersear[.]ch a threat to my privacy?

Most likely, yes. Sites like ubersear[.]ch usually collect (and sell) visitor data.

How did a ubersear[.]ch promoting software infiltrate my Android device?

Software of this kind is most commonly promoted through dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, spam mail (e.g., emails, SMSes, PMs/DMs, etc.), drive-by downloads, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), fake updates, bundled installers, and malvertising.

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