How to remove the Greenbean banking trojan from your Android device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is Greenbean?
Greenbean is the name of a banking trojan. It is designed to infect Android operating systems. This malicious program has been around since at least 2023. As its classification implies, this trojan seeks banking and other finance-related information. There is evidence suggesting that Greenbean targets users in Vietnam and China.
Greenbean malware overview
As most Android-targeting trojans, Greenbean relies on Android Accessibility Services. They are designed to provide additional aid to users who require it to interact with the device.
Android Accessibility Services can variously manipulate devices, e.g., read the screen, simulate the touchscreen and keyboard, interact with dialogue boxes, lock/unlock the device, etc. Hence, programs that abuse these services gain their full capabilities.
Following infiltration, Greenbean prompts the user to grant the Accessibility permissions, and after acquiring them – the malware escalates its privileges. The trojan starts collecting relevant information: device and network data, list of installed applications, contact lists, SMS data, etc.
Greenbean can download files and photographs. It can likewise extract content copied into the clipboard (copy-paste buffer). As this program is capable of sending SMSes – it could be used as Toll Fraud malware, but it has not been utilized in this manner as of the time of writing.
Additionally, the trojan can take screenshots. Greenbean's rather novel ability is to stream the infected device's screen and the view from the phone's cameras.
This malware aims to obtain victims' personally identifiable details, log-in credentials, and finance-related data. It targets the following applications: Gmail (email), WeChat (messenger, social media, mobile payment app), AliPay (online payment platform), MyVIB (Vietnam International Bank app), MetaMask (cryptocurrency wallet), and Paybis (cryptowallet).
Greenbean can redirect outgoing monetary transactions by changing the receiver details. The malicious program might also initiate these transactions without victims' input.
It must be mentioned that malware developers often update their software and methodologies. Therefore, potential future versions of Greenbean could have a broader target list or additional/different functionalities.
To summarize, the presence of malware like Greenbean on devices can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Greenbean banking malware |
| Threat Type | Android malware, malicious application, banking trojan. |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Android/Spy.Cerberus.AK), Fortinet (Android/Agent.JDU!tr), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Agent.oc), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Related Domains | antlercrypto[.]com |
| Detection Names (antlercrypto[.]com) | Combo Cleaner (Malware), CRDF (Malicious), G-Data (Malware), VIPRE (Malware), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Serving IP Address (antlercrypto[.]com) | 13.52.220.155 |
| 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. |
Banking trojan examples
Joker, TrickMo, Iranian banking trojan, Nexus, and S.O.V.A. are just some examples of Android banking malware we have written about recently. Information-targeting software can seek only specific details or a broad range of data. Other types of malware may also possess these data extraction abilities.
However, regardless of how malicious software operates – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Hence, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did Greenbean infiltrate my device?
Greenbean has been observed being distributed via a website – antlercrypto[.]com – that promotes a cryptocurrency app offering huge payouts. After the download option is selected, it triggers the download of a file titled "AntlerWeath.apk" from a domain hosted through the Amazon AWS service. Note that other domains, filenames, or methods may be used to proliferate this program.
Generally, malware is spread by relying on phishing and social engineering techniques. The software is typically presented as or bundled with ordinary program/media files.
The most widespread distribution methods include: online scams, drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, social media/ forum posts, etc.), malvertising, pirated software/media, illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices.
It is noteworthy that malware developers might utilize legitimate download channels like the Google Play Store to spread their creations. While genuine download sources have measures against such abuse, thus hindering the longevity of malicious content on the platform – even the limited hosting time may be deemed lucrative.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading or purchasing it, e.g., by reading terms and expert/user reviews, checking out required permissions, and verifying developer legitimacy.
Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy channels. Another recommendation is to activate and update software using legitimate functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties can contain malware.
We advise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. Vigilance must be extended to incoming emails and other messages. Attachments or links found in suspicious mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.
We must emphasize the importance of having a dependable anti-virus installed and kept updated. This software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove threats and issues.
Appearance of a site promoting Greenbean malware under the guise of a crypto app (antlercrypto[.]com):
![Greenbean banking trojan promoting fake website (antlercrypto[.]com)](/images/stories/screenshots202402/greenbean-banking-trojan-promoter.jpg)
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 Greenbean malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal seldom necessitates such drastic actions.
What are the biggest issues that Greenbean malware can cause?
The dangers posed by an infection depend on the malicious program's functionalities and the attackers' modus operandi. Greenbean is a banking trojan, and as its name implies – it primarily targets finance-related data. Typically, infections of this kind can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Greenbean malware?
Like most malware infections, Greenbean's attacks are motivated by financial gain. However, cyber criminals can also use malicious software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, organizations, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch attacks for political/geopolitical reasons.
How did Greenbean malware infiltrate my Android device?
Greenbean has been noted being proliferated via a website promoting a crypto platform app that promises massive profits. Other distribution methods are possible.
In general, malware is spread via drive-by downloads, online scams, spam (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, social media posts, SMSes, etc.), malvertising, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), 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 designed to scan systems and eliminate all manner of threats. It is capable of detecting and removing most of the known malware infections. Note that running a complete system scan is essential since sophisticated malicious programs typically hide deep within systems.
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