Removal instructions for the Monokle spyware-type malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is Monokle?
Monokle is a spyware-type program that targets Android devices. It is capable of extracting extensive geolocation data, recording calls, reading messages, exfiltrating files, and performing other malicious activities.
This malware was discovered on a device returned to its owner after it was seized by Russian authorities. Prior to its return, the owner – a Russian programmer accused of sending money to Ukraine – was apprehended and held in custody. Following his release, he observed suspicious behavior on the returned smartphone and sought aid from a legal assistance organization, which led to the discovery of the Monokle spyware.
Monokle malware overview
As mentioned in the introduction, Monokle was discovered on a device after it was in the custody of the Russian authorities. Its owner was held in custody and reported to have been physically harmed as the authorities pressured him to become an informant to the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB).
The authorities also tried to acquire the password for the seized phone through violence and threats. Monokle was likely installed on this device without relying on stealthy infiltration techniques. Therefore, if this spyware is or will be proliferated using such methods – they are currently unknown.
The suspicious behavior that tipped off the owner that their device had been tampered with was an "Arm cortex vx3 synchronization" notification, which is not a standard alert for the phone in question. It must be mentioned that it is possible, even likely, that this indicator of sorts will not appear in other Monokle infections.
In this instance, the spyware masqueraded as Cube Call Recorder – a legitimate application for automatically recording phone calls and calls performed through communication apps. In the first stage of the infection, Monokle requests various permissions to facilitate its malicious activities. Three of the permissions align with those requested by Cube Call Recorder, and they include obtaining precise location data, getting contact details, and recording phone calls.
However, this malware asks for more permissions, such as even more access to geolocation data (e.g., acquiring it even when the app is not in use), obtaining device and account information (e.g., system details, installed applications, etc.), recording the screen and video via the device's cameras, managing SMSes (e.g., reading, sending, etc.), taking incoming phone calls, reading calendar entries, and downloading/installing additional (malicious) content.
It is worth mentioning that Monokle abuses the Android Accessibility Services – a technique standard for malware targeting these operating systems. Accessibility Services are intended to provide additional aid with device interaction to users who require it (e.g., reading the screen, simulating the touchscreen, etc.). Hence, software that abuses these services gains all their capabilities.
A significant part of Monokle's capabilities is established in the second stage of the infection. This phase is heavily obfuscated for anti-detection purposes. In said stage, some of the abilities granted through the first stage permissions are expanded upon.
Other functionalities established in this phase include adding a new admin to the device, executing shell commands, injecting JavaScript, keylogging (recording keystrokes), exfiltrating files, extracting stored log-in credentials (including the device locking password), and reading messages from various messengers.
In this stage, Monokle downloads/installs extra libraries for additional malicious functionality. It has been noted introducing libraries for live-streaming audio/video and for sending (uploading) files from the device.
It must be mentioned that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Therefore, potential future iterations of Monokle could possess additional/different capabilities and features. For example, references to the iOS code were discovered on Monokle; thus, it is possible that there is or will be a version of this malware that targets iPhones.
To summarize, the presence of software like Monokle on devices can result in multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft. The threats associated with Monokle can be even more significant, as this spyware is evidently used with geopolitical motivations.
| Name | Monokle malware |
| Threat Type | Android malware, malicious application, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (APK:RepMalware [Trj]), DrWeb (Android.Monokle.2), ESET-NOD32 (Android/Spy.Monokle.A), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Spy.AndroidOS.Monocle.l), 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 | 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-type spyware examples
We have written about countless malicious programs; AwSpy, Mandrake, Kamran, and Predator are merely some of our articles on Android-targeting spyware.
Malware is a broad term covering software with a wide variety of dangerous capabilities. Yet, regardless of how a malicious program operates – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did Monokle infiltrate my device?
Monokle was discovered on a device that was returned to its owner after being confiscated by Russian authorities. The owner of the infected phone is a Russian programmer who had been apprehended under suspicion of sending money to Ukraine. He was taken into custody together with his spouse, and their apartment was searched – thus leading to the seizure of the smartphone.
During the 15 days in custody, he reports to have been threatened with life imprisonment and beaten. These efforts were intended to make the programmer become an informant for the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB). He was also pressured to reveal the password for the seized device, which was then returned with Monokle on it.
Hence, this spyware was likely introduced without relying on sophisticated infiltration and proliferation techniques. Yet, it does not mean that such methods are not or will not be used to distribute this malware.
On the smartphone that Monokle was found on, it was disguised as Cube Call Recorder – a legitimate application that is available on the Google Play Store. Likewise, it is possible that this spyware will be proliferated under different disguises. In general, malware is spread using phishing and social engineering tactics. It is typically disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media.
The most widespread malware distribution techniques include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), spam mail, online scams, malvertising, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.
What is more, some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
We recommend vigilance when browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. Incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages must be approached with care. Attachments or links found in suspect/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.
Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Another recommendation is to activate and update software using legitimate functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties can contain malware.
We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected 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 Monokle malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal rarely requires formatting.
What are the biggest issues that Monokle malware can cause?
The dangers posed by an infection depend on the malware's functionalities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. Monokle is a spyware that records and steals sensitive data. Generally, infections of this kind can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
It has to be mentioned that Monokle was discovered on a device returned after seizure by the Russian authorities, following the owner's release after he was held under suspicion of sending money to Ukraine. Hence, this malware is used with geopolitical motivations – and as such, its infections can cause threats of even greater significance.
What is the purpose of Monokle malware?
As indicated in the previous answer, Monokle is used for geopolitical reasons. While not an uncommon motivation behind malware infections, it is not the only one. Malicious software is primarily used for financial gain. However, cyber criminals can also use malware to amuse themselves, carry out personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, organizations, etc.), and engage in hacktivism.
How did Monokle malware infiltrate my Android device?
As mentioned previously, Monokle was discovered on a device after its return following seizure by the Russian authorities. However, it could be spread using other methods. Malware is predominantly proliferated via drive-by downloads, spam mail, online scams, malvertising, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, third-party app stores, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating most of the known malware infections. It must be emphasized that running a full system scan is paramount since high-end malicious software usually hides deep within systems.
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