How to remove Goldoson malicious app
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is Goldoson?
Goldoson is an Android malware that compiles a list of installed applications and records the history of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, including GPS locations in close proximity. Additionally, the software includes a feature that allows it to engage in ad fraud by clicking on ads in the background without the user's knowledge or approval.
Goldoson malware overview
There is the knowledge that Goldoson has penetrated Google Play via 60 genuine apps, which have a combined total of 100 million downloads. The detrimental malware element constitutes a third-party library that the developers unwittingly incorporated into all sixty apps.
The list of affected apps includes the following apps: Bounce Brick Breaker, Compass 9: Smart Compass, GOM Audio - Music, Sync lyrics, GOM Player, Infinite Slice, Korea Subway Info: Metroid, L.POINT with L.PAY, LIVE Score, Real-Time Score, LOTTE WORLD Magicpass, Money Manager Expense & Budget, Pikicast, SomNote - Beautiful note app, Swipe Brick Breaker (full list below).
While the app runs, the Goldoson library records the device and obtains remote configurations. The library's name and the domain of the remote server differ with each application and are obscured. The remote configuration includes parameters for each function, dictating the frequency at which the components operate.
The library then regularly checks these parameters, retrieves device information, and transmits it to the remote servers in accordance with the specified parameters. The library possesses the capability to load websites discreetly, which could be exploited to display ads for monetary gain.
The accumulated data is transmitted every other day, although this frequency is subject to modification by the remote configuration. The information encompasses confidential data, such as the record of installed applications, location history, nearby Bluetooth and Wi-Fi MAC addresses, and additional data.
When combined, this could potentially enable individuals to be identified.
More about Goldoson
The list of installed applications is regarded as private and sensitive user data by Google Play and thus requires a specific permission declaration to access it. Roughly 10% of apps that contained Goldoson had the "QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES" permission, enabling them to retrieve app information.
In order to generate ad revenue, the ad-clicking function operates by injecting HTML code into a personalized and concealed WebView and performing multiple URL visits. Victims are unaware of this activity on their devices as it remains hidden.
| Name | Goldoson virus |
| Threat Type | Android malware, malicious application, unwanted application. |
| Symptoms | Victims may notice their device running slower than usual, increased data usage, and may also observe suspicious activities such as the appearance of unknown apps or pop-up ads. |
| Distribution methods | Applications on Google Play that contain a malicious library |
| Damage | Stolen personal information, decreased device performance, battery is drained quickly, decreased Internet speed, data losses, monetary losses, unwanted redirects. |
| Malware Removal (Android) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your mobile device with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Conclusion
Users who have installed an affected app from Google Play can eliminate the risk by installing the latest update. Also, apps that are no longer available on Google Play should be removed from devices. Nevertheless, Goldoson is also present on third-party Android app stores, making it highly probable that the malicious library is still present in those stores.
Examples of other malware targeting Android users are Predator, Nexus, and goatRat.
How did Goldoson infiltrate my device?
Users can infect their Android devices with Goldoson by installing an app from Google Play that unknowingly includes the malicious library, or by downloading an app from a third-party Android app store that contains the Goldoson library.
Users can also infect their Android devices with malware by clicking on malicious links or downloading attachments from unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media platforms. Additionally, downloading apps from untrustworthy sources or clicking on pop-up ads and notifications that redirect to unverified websites can also result in malware infections.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Users should download applications from trusted sources like Google Play and avoid third-party app stores and dubious sites. Users should also regularly update their devices and apps to ensure they have the latest security patches.
Additionally, it is essential to be cautious of clicking on links or downloading attachments from unexpected messages or emails and install reputable antivirus software for extra protection. Finally, being mindful of app permissions and avoiding granting unnecessary access to sensitive information is also crucial in preventing malware infections.
List of applications that have been updated by the developers (users should update or reinstall these apps):
- GOM Audio Plus – Music, Sync l
- GOM Audio – Music, Sync lyrics
- GOM Player
- Korea Subway Info : Metroid
- L.POINT with L.PAY
- LIVE Score, Real-Time Score
- LOTTE WORLD Magicpass
- Money Manager (Remove Ads)
- Money Manager Expense & Budget
- TMAP – 대리,주차,전기차 충전,킥보
- 곰TV – All About Video
- 나홀로 노래방–쉽게 찾아 이용하는
- 롯데 워터파크
- 롯데시네마
- 롯데월드 아쿠아리움
- 롯데월드타워 서울스카이
- 매표소–뮤지컬문화공연 예매&
- 숫자 뽑기
- 씨네큐브
- 이상형 월드컵
- 작은영화관
- 전역일 계산기 디데이 곰신톡–군인
- 지니뮤직 – genie
- 컬쳐랜드[컬쳐캐쉬]
- 컬쳐플러스:컬쳐랜드 혜택 더하기
- 클라우드런처
- 해피스크린 – 해피포인트를 모으
List of applications that have been removed from the Google Play store (users should uninstall these apps):
- Bounce Brick Breaker
- CU편의점택배
- Compass 9: Smart Compass
- GOODTV다번역성경찬송
- Infinite Slice
- InfinitySolitaire
- Inssaticon – Cute Emoticons, K
- Pikicast
- Snake Ball Lover
- SomNote – Beautiful note app
- Swipe Brick Breaker
- Swipe Brick Breaker 2
- T map for KT, LGU+
- TDI News – 최초 데이터 뉴스 앱
- TNT
- UBhind: Mobile Tracker Manager
- 게토(geto) – PC방 게이머 필수 앱
- 기억메모 – 심플해서 더 좋은 메모장
- 노티아이 for 소상공인
- 눈팅 – 여자들의 커뮤니티
- 로더(Loader) – 효과음 다운로드 앱
- 메가박스(Megabox)
- 베스트케어–위험한 전자기장,
- 불러봄내 – 춘천시민을 위한 공공
- 스마트 녹음기 : 음성 녹음기
- 스피드 운전면허 필기시험
- 아이템매니아 – 게임 아이템 거래
- 안심해 : 안심지도
- 안심해 – 안심귀가 프로젝트
- 연하구곡
- 창문닫아요(미세/초미세먼지/WHO
- 츄스틱 : 크리샤츄 Fantastic
- 캣메라 [순정 무음카메라]
- 팅서치 TingSearch
- 판타홀릭 – 아이돌 SNS 앱
- 풀빵 : 광고 없는 유튜브 영상
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 computer is infected with Goldoson malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, there is no need for such drastic measures. To mitigate the risk, users can update the impacted app from Google Play to the latest version. Also, if an app that was infected with Goldoson is no longer available on Google Play, it is recommended to uninstall it to avoid any potential harm.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Malware can cause significant damage to mobile devices, including stealing sensitive information such as personal or financial data, slowing down the device, and even rendering it completely inoperable. Malware can also be used to remotely control the device and use it to launch further attacks on other devices or networks.
What is the purpose of Goldoson malware?
The purpose of Goldoson is to collect personal data from infected Android devices, such as the list of installed apps, location history, MAC address of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi nearby, and more. It also includes the ability to load web pages without the user's awareness, which can be used to generate ad revenue through ad fraud by clicking advertisements in the background without the user's consent.
How did a malware infiltrate my Android device?
There are many ways that malware can infiltrate an Android device. Common methods include downloading and installing malicious apps from third-party (or even official) app stores, clicking on suspicious links or attachments in emails or text messages, visiting compromised websites, and connecting to insecure Wi-Fi networks.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner has the ability to detect and remove almost all recognized malware infections. Running a complete system scan is necessary because sophisticated malware tends to conceal itself deep within the system.
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