How to remove BingoMod from infected Android devices
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is BingoMod RAT?
BingoMod is a remote access trojan (RAT) targeting Android users. Once infiltrated, RATs allow cybercriminals to perform various actions on the compromised devices (they grant attackers the ability to remotely control infected devices). BingoMod is primarily used to make unauthorized money transfers.
BingoMod RAT in detail
Once on a device, BingoMod (masquerading as a legitimate application) requests the user to activate Accessibility Services. It makes it look like this permission is required for the app to function correctly. If this permission is granted, the malicious Android Package Kit (APK) executes its payload. After this, the device information is gathered and a communication channel is established.
Once activated, BingoMod's background processes work to transmit sensitive data to the malware's operators. BingoMod includes keylogging and SMS interception features. It can capture information presented on the screen or entered by the user and monitor SMS messages.
BingoMod primarily aims to initiate money transfers from compromised devices by using extensive remote control capabilities. Notably, BingoMod includes around 40 remote control functions, such as real-time screen monitoring using a VNC-like routine with Android's Media Projection API for capturing screenshots, and screen interaction via Accessibility Service.
Additionally, the malware can perform Overlay Attacks and display fake notifications. Unlike usual overlay attacks (when fake windows are opened within specific apps), the ones carried out by BingoMod are triggered directly by threat actors. The malware also allows cybercriminals to send SMS messages from the infected device, which can be used to deliver the malware to other users.
Lastly, BingoMod includes security measures, such as preventing changes to system settings related to the malware and blocking specific applications. It can also uninstall applications, including security apps, to avoid detection. A key feature is its ability to remotely wipe the device's external storage after committing fraud.
| Name | BingoMod remote access trojan |
| Threat Type | RAT (remote access trojan), Android malware, malicious application, unwanted application. |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Android.Riskware.Agent.gHWMW), ESET-NOD32 (Android/Spy.BingoMod.A), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Dropper.AndroidOS.Hqwar.bk), 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. |
| Distribution methods | SMS phishing (smishing), deceptive applications, fraudulent 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. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, BingoMod is a highly dangerous malware that disguises itself as a legitimate app (it is known that it masquerades as a security tool). BingoMod poses a serious threat to both data security and device functionality. Thus, users should be careful when downloading apps to avoid monetary loss, identity theft, and other potential damages.
More examples of Android malware are GuardZoo, Mandrake, and Snowblind.
How did BingoMod RAT infiltrate my device?
BingoMod is commonly distributed through smishing (SMS phishing) and often masquerades as a legitimate antivirus application. Smishing is a type of cyberattack where cybercriminals send fraudulent text messages containing malicious links to trick users into downloading malware.
Malware can also spread via unofficial app stores or third-party download sites that host compromised or fake applications. Additionally, mobile malware can be distributed through malicious links shared via social media or messaging apps.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Download applications only from reputable app stores or official websites. Before installing any app, read reviews and check ratings to ensure their reliability. Avoid trusting pop-ups, ads, buttons, and links on suspicious websites, and do not click on links or open attachments from unexpected or unsolicited messages.
Additionally, keep your operating system and apps updated and use a trustworthy security tool to safeguard your device and eliminate potential threats.
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 BingoMod malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
First, try using reliable security software like Combo Cleaner to detect and eliminate the malware. Formatting your storage device should be a last resort because it removes all data stored on a device.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Malware presents significant dangers, such as stealing personal information and causing financial harm. It can also damage your system by corrupting files, slowing down performance, and allowing unauthorized access. Additionally, malware can spread to other devices or inject other malware.
What is the purpose BingoMod?
The purpose of BingoMod is to steal sensitive information and facilitate unauthorized money transfers from compromised devices.
How did BingoMod infiltrate my device?
BingoMod likely infiltrated your device through smishing, where you were tricked by a fraudulent SMS message into downloading and installing the malicious app (disguised as a security tool).
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove nearly all known malware infections. However, advanced malware often hides deep within the system, so performing a full system scan is essential for thorough removal.
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