How to remove Wpeeper from Android devices
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is Wpeeper?
Wpeeper is the name of a backdoor malware targeting Android users. This piece of malware is capable of stealing various data, downloading files, deleting itself from infected devices, and more. Android users should be cautious and take steps to protect their devices from such threats. If Wpeeper is already present on a device, it should be removed immediately.
Wpeeper in detail
Wpeeper operates by receiving commands from threat actors via a Command and Control (C2) server. It is important to note that Wpeeper uses compromised WordPress websites as a communication channel. This helps cybercriminals to hide where the control center is. Compromised WordPress sites act like middlemen, making tracking down Wpeeper's true command and control servers harder.
Cybercriminals can use Wpeeper to perform various actions on infected devices. For instance, they can gather information about the infected device, including its hardware specifications (like the processor type and RAM size) and operating system details. Wpeeper can also provide the attackers with a list of apps installed on the infected device.
Also, threat actors can instruct Wpeeper to retrieve various files from the C2 server, including additional payloads, configuration files, or updates to its own code, expanding its capabilities or adapting to new threats. Moreover, Wpeeper is capable of gathering information about specific files stored and directories on the infected device.
Another Wpeeper's capability involves executing shell commands. This enables the malware to manipulate files, modify system settings, launch additional processes, and perform other actions. Also, threat actors can instruct Wpeeper to download files from the C2 server and execute them on the infected device, allowing attackers to deploy additional malicious payloads.
Wpeeper can download files both from C2 and specified URLs (websites). Other capabilities include receiving updates to its own code, deleting itself from the infected device, receiving a new C2 server address, adjusting communication frequency, and receiving new public keys.
| Name | Wpeeper backdoor |
| Threat Type | Backdoor, Android malware |
| Detection Names | ESET-NOD32 (Android/Wpeeper.A), Ikarus (Backdoor.AndroidOS.Wpeeper) Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.AndroidOS.Wpeeper.a), Varist (AndroidOS/Wpeeper.A), ZoneAlarm by Check Point (HEUR:Trojan.AndroidOS.Wpeeper.a), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | The device is running slow, system settings are modified without user's permission, questionable applications appear, data and battery usage is increased significantly, browsers redirect to questionable websites, intrusive advertisements are delivered. |
| Distribution methods | Unofficial app stores mimicking Uptodown App Store, infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, deceptive applications, scam websites. |
| Damage | Stolen personal information, additional infctions, decreased device performance, battery is drained quickly, decreased Internet speed, huge data losses, monetary losses, stolen identity, and more. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Possible damage
Victims of Wpeeper may face various issues. These may include access to sensitive data stored on their devices, such as personal information, passwords, and financial details. Additionally, Wpeeper could inject other malware on devices. Furthermore, the malware's ability to delete itself from infected devices may complicate detection and removal efforts, prolonging the impact of the threat.
Examples of other Android malware are Brokewell, SoumniBot, and XploitSPY.
How did Wpeeper infiltrate my device?
Users may inadvertently infect their devices with the Wpeeper malware by downloading and installing apps from unofficial app stores that mimic legitimate platforms like the Uptodown App Store. Since these stores are unofficial and may not have appropriate security measures, they can be used to distribute malware-infected apps to users.
Consequently, users who download apps from such sources risk installing malicious apps such as Wpeeper onto their Android devices. Other potential infection vectors are links or attachments in fraudulent emails or messages, shady or compromised websites, software vulnerabilities, and third-party downloaders.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Always download apps from trustworthy sources such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Before installing apps, check reviews to verify their legitimacy. Exercise caution with apps that request unnecessary permissions. Avoid clicking on links in unexpected or suspicious messages and emails. Do not trust ads and pop-ups on dubious websites.
Keep your device's operating system and apps up to date. Install reliable security software on your device and conduct regular system scans.
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 device is infected with Wpeeper malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Formatting your storage device will remove the Wpeeper malware, but it will also delete all data stored on the device. Consider trying reputable antivirus or malware removal software first to attempt to remove the malware without losing your data.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Malware can cause significant issues such as data loss through encryption and other ways, financial loss, identity theft, system instability, compromised privacy, additional infections, and other problems.
What is the purpose of Wpeeper?
Wpeeper allows threat actors to gather information about infected devices, retrieve files from the C2 server, execute shell commands for various actions like file manipulation and system modification, download and execute additional payloads, and receive updates to its own code, among other capabilities.
How did Wpeeper infiltrate my device?
Wpeeper may infiltrated your device through apps downloaded from unofficial stores resembling legitimate platforms like Uptodown App Store. Fraudulent emails, shady websites, software vulnerabilities, and third-party downloaders might also be used as channels to deliver the malware.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, this app can detect and eliminate almost all known threats. It is important to be aware that advanced malware can be hidden deep in the system. In such cases, detection and removal require running a full system scan.
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