Removal instructions for CherryBlos Android-targeting malware
Written by Karolis Liucveikis on (updated)
What kind of malware is CherryBlos?
CherryBlos is the name of a malware targeting Android operating systems. This malicious program is classified as a stealer and a clipper. It operates by extracting/exfiltrating cryptowallet credentials and rerouting cryptocurrency transactions to wallets owned by the attackers.
At least four fake apps have been identified as ones used to infiltrate CherryBlos into devices. Several techniques have been observed in use to promote these applications.
It is pertinent to mention that CherryBlos is linked to another malware campaign dubbed FakeTrade. This operation entails fraudulent money-earning apps that promise monetary rewards for shopping or other tasks. However, victims are incapable of cashing out their earnings.
FakeTrade applications were hosted on the Google Play Store, but the known ones have been taken down as of writing. This campaign targeted users worldwide, with prevalent regions including Malaysia, Mexico, Indonesia, Philippines, Uganda, and Vietnam.
CherryBlos malware overview
In most cases, Android-specific malware relies on the Accessibility Services of these operating systems, and CherryBlos is not an exception.
Once the malicious application is opened, the victim is presented with a pop-up requesting them to enable the Android Accessibility Services. The malware can also display an official website as an additional measure in creating the impression of legitimacy.
The Accessibility Services are designed to help users who require assistance interacting with their devices. These services are capable of performing various actions, such as reading the device's screen, simulating the touchscreen and keyboard, etc. Hence, malicious software that abuses these services – gains their capabilities.
For example, CherryBlos uses the Android Accessibility Services to automatically grant itself permissions whenever a system prompt for them is displayed.
This malware employs other anti-detection and persistence-ensuring techniques as well. It relies on other tools for background operation privileges, exemption from battery optimization processes (i.e., evasion of being shut down once not in active use), etc. CherryBlos can also send the user to the home screen when they access the application's settings – which could be an attempt to prevent the victim from ending the app's process or removing it.
CherryBlos obtains the list of cryptocurrency-related applications installed on the device. It then sends the apps of interest names to its C&C (Command and Control) server and retrieves fake interfaces for them.
When the user next opens a legitimate crypto-app (e.g., BitKeep, Binance, etc.), they will be presented with a phishing interface. The fake screen will then record the log-in credentials entered by the victim (e.g., IDs, usernames, passwords, passphrases, etc.).
CherryBlos can also use another technique to obtain credentials. The malware is capable of browsing media files in external storage, then if a potential passphrase is found – with the use of OCR (Optical Character Recognition), CherryBlos will convert the characters from the image into text and send it to the C&C server.
As mentioned in the introduction, CherryBlos has clipper functionalities as well. These abilities allow the program to replace the cryptocurrency wallet addresses with those of cryptowallets in possession of the cyber criminals. For CherryBlos's clipper activities, fraudulent interfaces are employed as well.
Hence, when the user interacts with what they believe to be a genuine cryptocurrency-related app – they are in fact dealing with a fake overlay. And as the victim is making a cryptocurrency withdrawal, the intended wallet address is replaced – however, the overlay continues to show the process with the entered credentials and follows the standard procedure. Thereby, the victim unknowingly transfers the cryptocurrency to the attackers.
CherryBlos can reroute the transactions of the following cryptocurrencies: Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance coin (BNB), Bitcoin (BTC), and TRON (TRX).
In summary, the presence of software like CherryBlos on devices can result in severe privacy issues and significant financial losses.
Furthermore, due to the practically irreversible nature of cryptocurrency transactions – victims have virtually no chance of retrieving stolen funds.
| Name | CherryBlos virus |
| Threat Type | Android malware, stealer, password-stealing malware, clipper, cryptowallet address replacing malware, malicious application. |
| Detection Names | ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Android/Packed.Jiagu.H Pot), Fortinet (Riskware/PackagingUntrustworthyJiagu!A), Ikarus (PUA.AndroidOS.Jiagu), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan.AndroidOS.Piom.ayht), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Targeted Cryptocurrencies | Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance coin (BNB), Bitcoin (BTC), TRON (TRX) |
| Cyber Criminal Cryptowallet Addresses | TRcSgdsPZAmqRZofLnuWc5t6tRm6v7FZfR (USDT/USDC, TRX), 0x7cb460e143c4ae66b30397372be020c09fbdff3e (USDT/USDC, ETH, BNB), 1MstmvhmcRbMvcknmXwW81fmoenTozTWVF (BTC) |
| Symptoms | The device is running slow, system settings are modified without user's permission, data and battery usage is increased significantly. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, deceptive applications, scam websites. |
| Damage | Stolen cryptocurrency, financial loss, stolen personal information (private messages, logins/passwords, etc.), decreased device performance, battery is drained quickly, decreased Internet speed, huge data losses, stolen identity (malicious apps might abuse communication apps). |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Android-centric malware examples
We have analyzed and researched hundreds of Android-targeting malicious programs; CriminalBot, WyrmSpy, DragonEgg, FantasyMW, and SpinOk are just a few of our newest articles on malware that targets said operating systems.
Malicious software can be highly versatile; it can have both stealer and clipper and various other functionalities. However, regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did CherryBlos infiltrate my device?
At the time of research, four fake CherryBlos apps have been discovered – Robot 999, Happy Miner, SynthNet, and GPTalk.
Robot 999 and Happy Miner are presented as tools that allow users to utilize device system resources to mine cryptocurrency. The former has been traced back to a Telegram group called "Ukraine ROBOT", which hosts posts about cryptomining. This group's profile description includes a link to a malicious website from which CherryBlos (disguised as "Robot 999") can be downloaded.
Another fake application – SynthNet – is promoted as a decentralized AI computing platform that enables individuals/organizations to use their device system resources to further AI development. This bogus app's download link has been endorsed via a description on a YouTube video (hosted on a potentially stolen account), as well as through Telegram channels and Twitter accounts.
Additionally, SynthNet has been found on Google Play; however, this variant did not contain malware. It is possible that this version will be linked to CherryBlos in the future.
While using legitimate platforms to proliferate malware is a short-lived distribution method, it is nonetheless prevalent among cyber criminals. Case in point – the FakeTrade campaign that is associated with the criminals behind CherryBlos. Applications linked to FakeTrade were proliferated via the Google Play Store.
As for GPTalk – this hoax ChatGPT application has been pushed through a fake Twitter account.
However, it is noteworthy that CherryBlos could be spread using other disguises and techniques as well.
Aside from abuse of genuine app download sources and promotion via hacked/stolen social media platforms, malware is commonly distributed through malicious attachments and links in spam mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, etc.), drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malvertising, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, third-party app stores, P2P sharing networks, etc.), pirated content, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.
Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
We strongly recommend researching software by reading terms and user/expert reviews, checking necessary permissions, and verifying developer legitimacy. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources.
What is more, all programs must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as those obtained third-parties may contain malware.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. We also advise being cautious with incoming emails and other messages. 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 detected threats.
Appearance of CherryBlos malware under the guise of the SynthNet app:
Appearance of CherryBlos malware (SynthNet) download link promoted in the description of a YouTube video:
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 CherryBlos malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Most malicious programs can be removed without formatting.
What are the biggest issues that CherryBlos malware can cause?
The threats posed by malware depend on its capabilities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. CherryBlos is designed to steal cryptowallet log-in credentials and redirect cryptocurrency withdrawals to the attackers' wallets. Hence, victims of this malware can experience severe privacy issues and financial losses.
What is the purpose of CherryBlos malware?
Most malicious programs are used to generate revenue, and CherryBlos's functionalities corroborate this. However, cyber criminals can also use malware to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., sites, services, companies, etc.), and even launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did CherryBlos malware infiltrate my Android device?
CherryBlos is proliferated under the guise of legitimate/innocuous-sounding apps (e.g., Robot 999, Happy Miner, SynthNet, GPTalk, etc.), which were spread through malicious sites promoted on YouTube video descriptions, Twitter, and Telegram.
However, other distribution methods are not unlikely. The most prevalent techniques include: spam mail, online scams, malvertising, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating most of the known malware infections. It must be stressed that running a full system scan is paramount – since sophisticated malicious programs typically hide deep within systems.
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