How to remove DragonEgg malware from your Android device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is DragonEgg?
DragonEgg is the name of a spyware-type malware that targets Android operating systems. The malicious program relies on various downloaded modules to carry surveillance out operations. This malware has been around since as early as January 2021.
DragonEgg is associated with the Chinese state-backed cyber-espionage group APT41 (aka BARIUM, Double Dragon, and Winnti). Targeting mobile devices is a relatively new development for APT41.
Known APT41 attacks have been motivated both by geopolitics and financial gain. This group's activities are worldwide, with common targets located in Australia, Japan, India, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and United States.
The malware campaigns were leveraged against hundreds of public and private entities, including (but not limited to): governmental bodies, pro-democratic Hong Kong activists, universities, computer hardware manufacturers, software developers, telecommunication service providers, social media platforms, and video game companies.
DragonEgg malware overview
DragonEgg is a piece of sophisticated malicious software. It arrives onto Android devices under the guise of harmless-looking applications or trojanized legitimate software.
This malware aims to evade detection by relying on modules downloaded after infiltration, thus appearing less suspicious initially. However, DragonEgg does request and require a wide variety of permissions to perform its malicious activities.
Since this program downloads components from its C&C (Command and Control) server, the malware's exact functionalities currently cannot be ascertained and may change between attacks.
The observed infections boasted the ability to exfiltrate files from connected external storage devices. DragonEgg also targeted camera photographs; this functionality could potentially include the ability to take photos stealthily.
Audio recording via the device's microphone is likewise within DragonEgg's capabilities. Additionally, this spyware aims to collect communication data, such as contact lists and text messages (SMSes).
It is pertinent to mention that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies; considering DragonEgg's customizable nature, it is not unlikely to apply to future campaigns involving this program.
To summarize, the presence of software like DragonEgg on devices can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. Furthermore, the devastation caused by malware leveraged against highly sensitive targets can be far more significant.
| Name | DragonEgg virus |
| Threat Type | Android malware, spyware, malicious application. |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (Android/Agent.BUJ), Ikarus (Trojan.AndroidOS.Agent), Symantec Mobile Insight (AdLibrary:Generisk), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Malware is designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's device and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected system. |
| 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-targeting malware examples
WyrmSpy is another malware connected to APT41 – the threat actor behind DragonEgg. While FantasyMW, HelloTeacher, SpinOk, and PixBankBot are just a few examples of Android malware we have written about recently.
Malicious software can have a broad range of functionalities that can be in different combinations. However, regardless of how it operates – the presence of malware on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did DragonEgg infiltrate my device?
Malware is typically disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media. DragonEgg has been observed being proliferated under the guise of third-party keyboard apps and messengers. It also infiltrated systems via a trojanized Telegram application. Other disguises are likely. There is reason to believe that DragonEgg is distributed relying on (potentially targeted) social engineering campaigns.
Generally, the most widely used malware proliferation methods include: malicious attachments/links in spam mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, etc.), online scams, malvertising, drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), pirated software/media, illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
Some malicious programs can even self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
Despite the lack of longevity of the technique, cyber criminals often upload malicious applications onto genuine software download channels. However, at the time of writing, there have not been instances of DragonEgg detections on the Google Play Store.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We highly recommend researching software prior to downloading/installing it, e.g., by reading terms and expert/user reviews, checking necessary permissions, verifying developer legitimacy, etc. Another recommendation is to download only from official and trustworthy sources.
Additionally, all programs must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties can contain malware.
Furthermore, it is crucial to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. We also advise being careful with incoming emails and other messages. The attachments or links found in suspect mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.
We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove threats and issues.
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 DragonEgg malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Most malicious programs can be removed without resorting to formatting.
What are the biggest issues that DragonEgg malware can cause?
The threats posed by malware depend on its functionalities and the cyber criminals' aims. DragonEgg is a spyware used by the APT41 cyber-espionage group that is backed by the Chinese state. This threat actor has targeted both public and private organizations within the governmental, political activism, education, hardware manufacturing, software development, and various other spheres.
While generally, malware like DragonEgg can lead to serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft – attacks leveraged against highly sensitive targets can carry far more significant threats.
What is the purpose of DragonEgg malware?
As detailed by the previous answer, DragonEgg is associated with the APT41 group. This threat actor is known to have carried out attacks motivated by politics/geopolitics and financial gain.
How did DragonEgg malware infiltrate my computer?
DragonEgg has been observed infiltrating devices disguised as messengers and third-party Android keyboards. However, it could masquerade as other content, and the exact proliferation methods used are unknown.
In general, malware is primarily spread via drive-by downloads, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, spam emails/messages, malvertising, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating nearly all known malware infections. Note that since sophisticated malicious programs usually hide deep within systems – running a complete system scan is essential.
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