How to remove RatMilad malware from Android device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is RatMilad?
RatMilad is the name of an Android Remote Access Trojan (RAT) with spyware capabilities targeting users in the Middle Eastern. It is known that this malware is distributed via NumRent - a VPN and phone number spoofing application. Previously, RatMilad was hiding behind an app called Text Me.
NumRent is renamed and graphically modified version of the Text Me app. It allows threat actors to collect sensitive data and performs other actions.
RatMilad's capabilities
NumRent requests permission to access contacts, call logs (and make phone calls), SMS messages (and send them), obtain device location, and view media and files. RatMilad installs after users give permission to the services mentioned above.
RatMilad can be used to access the camera to take pictures, record video and audio, obtain GPS locations, view pictures stored on the infected device, and more. This malware can exfiltrate data such as MAC address of the device, contact list, call logs, account names and permissions, clipboard data, location data, IMEI, mobile number, list of installed apps, and phone information.
It is important to mention that it can access SMS messages including received, sent, failed, queued, and drafted messages. Also, RatMilad can read, write and delete files, record sound, upload files to a Command and Control server, set new application permissions and delete permissions.
| Name | RatMilad spyware |
| Threat Type | Android malware, spyware, RAT |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (APK:RepMalware [Trj]), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | The device is running slow, system settings are modified without user's permission, data and battery usage is increased significantly. |
| Distribution methods | Links on social media and communication tools like Telegram and WhatsApp. |
| Damage | Stolen personal information (private messages, logins/passwords, etc.), decreased device performance, deleted files, battery is drained quickly, decreased Internet speed, huge data losses, monetary losses, stolen identity. |
| Malware Removal (Android) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your mobile device with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
More about RatMilad
RatMilad can be used to obtain various sensitive information. Having a device infected with it may cause monetary loss, identity theft, loss of files, and other issues. It depends on how the attackers would use the accessed data.
RatMilad is designed to run silently in the background without raising suspicion. Moreover, it is not a new piece of malware (cybercriminals are using it for some time). However, it does not have many detections to this day.
How did RatMilad infiltrate my device?
The NumRent application used to distribute RatMilad is distributed via social media and communication tools (e.g., WhatsApp and Telegram). RatMilad installs after users grant the NumRent app requested permissions. It is worth mentioning that application stores are not used to distribute the malicious NumRent spoofing app.
Another popular way to distribute malicious mobile apps is to send emails or SMS messages containing malicious links or attachments.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Download applications only from official app stores and websites. Never use third-party stores or shady pages to download any apps. Read reviews before downloading and installing apps. Avoid downloading apps with no or few reviews. Do not click links (or open files) in suspicious emails or SMS messages.
Do not trust shady advertisements, especially when they appear on questionable pages. Keep the operating system up to date (the same applies to installed apps).
Website used to distribute NumRent:
Appearance of the NumRent app used to distribute RatMilad:
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)
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Cybercriminals can use malware to encrypt files, steal sensitive information (e.g., passwords, ID card details, credit card details, social security numbers), steal identity, mine cryptocurrency, add devices to botnets, and more.
What is the purpose of RatMilad malware?
This malware functions as a Remote Access Trojan with capabilities of spyware. It can access sensitive information (e.g., SMS messages, clipboard data, and files stored on a device). Also, it can send record audio and take pictures, set new application permissions, and more. Cybercriminals could be using it to blackmail victims or to sell obtained information to third parties and use it for other purposes.
How RatMilad is distributed?
It infects devices after users grant permissions for the malicious app called NumRent. The NumRent app is promoted via Telegram, WhatsApp, and other communication and social media apps.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can remove malware from infected devices. It is capable of detecting almost all known malware. Since high-end malware often hides deep in the system, running a full system scan is required to eliminate it.
Outstanding!
▼ Show Discussion