How to eliminate Snowblind malware from your Android device
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is Snowblind?
Snowblind is a piece of malicious software targeting Android devices. This malware has been around since at least early 2024. Snowblind is capable of variously manipulating applications; it has been leveraged against Southeast Asian banking apps.
By far the most notable feature of this malicious program is the novel technique it utilizes, i.e., using seccomp – a Linux kernel security feature – to prevent detection.
Snowblind malware overview
Android malware commonly relies on the Accessibility Services to carry out malicious activities. The Android Accessibility Services offer additional aid to users who require it to interact with their devices. These services encompass a variety of features, e.g., simulating the touchscreen, interacting with the keyboard, reading the screen, etc. Hence, malicious software that abuses the Accessibility Services gains their full functionality.
As this is a well-known phenomenon, operating systems and applications are implementing security measures against the abuse. Malware developers counter the measures with repackaging – modifying apps to bypass their protective mechanisms.
However, Snowblind goes a step further. This program attacks software by utilizing the Linux kernel feature called seccomp. This Android feature sandboxes applications to vet the system calls they can make. For example, seccomp can prevent apps from stealthily acquiring Accessibly Service permissions. Snowblind combines the repackaging attack model with seccomp abuse.
The malware inserts an additional native library into the targeted software prior to the anti-tampering code running. This native library has its own seccomp filter. The purpose is to redirect attention to the unmodified version of the application, while the altered variant is free to make system calls at will.
However, the impact exceeds the successful bypassing of the security measures, as this technique allows Snowblind to manipulate system calls (i.e., inspect, filter, alter, etc.). It can narrow down the scope of security filters and possibly modify the arguments evoked (e.g., change the actions taken in response to a flagged system call).
It is pertinent to mention that the success of this new technique is likely to lead to its broader implementation in Android malware.
Furthermore, the abuse carried out by malicious software using this method could be incredibly varied. As previously mentioned, Snowblind could be used to variously manipulate apps, and it has been noted in attacks targeting Southeast Asian banking applications.
This program can gain almost full control of devices via Android Accessibility Services. It could target the log-in credentials (usernames/passwords) of various accounts, platforms, and services. Additionally, Snowblind may be used to disable 2FA/MFA (Two-Factor Authentication) mechanisms.
It is noteworthy that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies, and they may change their modus operandi and goals. Therefore, potential future iterations of Snowblind could possess additional/different capabilities and features.
To summarize, the presence of software like Snowblind on devices can result in severe privacy issues, significant financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Snowblind virus |
| Threat Type | Android malware, malicious application. |
| Symptoms | Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's device and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. However, the device might run slow, system settings get modified without user's permission, questionable applications could appear, data and battery usage get increased significantly. |
| 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 malware examples
Android is the most popular operating system for smartphones, as such there are countless malicious programs designed for it. Rafel, AridSpy, Wpeeper, Brokewell, SoumniBot, XploitSPY, and GoldPickaxe are just some of our latest articles on Android malware.
Malicious software can be versatile or crafted for incredibly narrow purposes. However, regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Hence, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.
How did Snowblind infiltrate my device?
The exact methods used to proliferate Snowblind are currently unknown. Generally, malicious software is spread by relying on phishing and social engineering tactics. Malware is usually disguised as or bundled with ordinary programs/media.
The most widespread distribution methods include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), malicious attachments/links in spam mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, etc.), online scams, malvertising, pirated content, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), 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.).
What is more, malicious apps may be uploaded to legitimate download sources, and although their longevity on the platforms can be brief – cyber criminals can still find it profitable enough.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading, e.g., reading terms and user/expert reviews, checking necessary permissions, and verifying developer legitimacy. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified channels. Software must be activated and updated using genuine functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. We advise caution with incoming emails and other messages. Attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.
It is paramount for device and user safety to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs 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 Android device is infected with Snowblind malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal rarely necessitates formatting.
What are the biggest issues that Snowblind malware can cause?
The threats linked to an infection depend on the malware's abilities and the cyber criminals' goals. Snowblind can manipulate installed software in various ways, and it has been observed being used in attacks targeting Southeast Asian banking apps. Generally, such infections can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Snowblind malware?
Malware is primarily used for profit, and this is likely to be the case with Snowblind since it has been utilized to target banks in Southeast Asia. However, malicious software can also be used to amuse the attacks, carry out personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., services, websites, companies, etc.), and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did Snowblind malware infiltrate my Android device?
Malware is mainly distributed through drive-by downloads, spam mail, online scams, malvertising, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), illegal program activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Some malicious programs can self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to scan computers and eliminate all kinds of threats. It can detect and remove most of the known malware infections. Keep in mind that since sophisticated malicious programs usually hide deep within systems – running a full system scan is essential.
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