How to eliminate AppLite Banker from infected devices
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is AppLite Banker?
AppLite Banker (an updated variant of the Antidot) is a banking trojan targeting Android users. Cybercriminals deliver the malware via email by tricking victims into downloading fake applications. Once injected, AppLite Banker allows the attackers to perform a variety of malicious activities, including data theft.
AppLite Banker in detail
When first opened, the fake app shows a login screen where users are lured into creating a new account via a phishing page. After creating an account, the app shows an empty dashboard with no features. On later launches, it forces users to install an “update”, which is actually AppLite Banker.
Clicking the “Update” button triggers a fake Google Play Store icon and installs the malware. The malicious app then requests Accessibility Services permissions, which it abuses to overlay the screen, grant itself permissions, and perform other harmful actions. Once it gets the needed permissions, the malware connects to its Command and Control (C&C) server.
This creates a communication channel, enabling the attacker to control the infected device and send commands. The supported commands include unlocking the device, launching specified apps, collecting SMS messages, forwarding calls, increasing and decreasing the brightness of overlay windows, preventing the uninstallation of malware, and stopping the camera.
Also, AppLite Banker can display different overlays (e.g., a blank black window, fake system updates, or a loading window) and stop them. Furthermore, the malware allows threat actors to open the "Verify Apps" settings in the Google Play Store, remove a fake application and the malware itself, gather a list of installed apps, capture keystrokes, and send push notifications.
In addition to these functions, AppLite Banker can block calls from specified numbers, initiate VNC and send VNC content, harvest contacts, open the camera and transmit captured photos, send SMS messages, post bogus login alerts, steal patters, PINs, or passwords for unlocking the device, and more.
The trojan targets over a hundred apps, including financial platforms and crypto wallets, using advanced tools to control device functions and steal sensitive information. The supported commands allow the attackers to display fake login forms and other windows to steal login credentials, and other sensitive information.
AppLite Banker evades detection by manipulating ZIP files to confuse security tools and embedding malicious scripts into HTML overlays. These techniques help it avoid detection by standard analysis tools.
| Name | AppLite banking trojan |
| Threat Type | Android malware, malicious application, banking trojan |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Android.Trojan.Marcher.AZ), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Dropper.AndroidOS.Hqwar.df), 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 | Deceptive emails, fake websites, bogus applications. |
| 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. |
| 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, AppLite Banker is a sophisticated banking trojan designed to steal sensitive information and perform other malicious tasks. By disguising itself as a legitimate app, leveraging phishing tactics, and abusing device permissions, it gains almost full control of infected devices.
Users should remain vigilant, avoid installing untrusted apps, and promptly update security measures to protect against such malware. More examples of Android malware are Monokle, DroidBot, and ToxicPanda.
How did AppLite Banker infiltrate my device?
The attacker pretends to be an HR representative from a known company, sending fake job offer emails. Victims are directed to a malicious page to continue the application or schedule an interview. This page tricks them into downloading a harmful app. Once installed, the app delivers the AppLite trojan to the device.
It is known that cybercriminals used well-known companies like Euskatel, Eminic, Distributel, and Oasis to lure victims into downloading harmful apps (e.g., a fake EmployeesCRM app) designed to drop AppLite Banker.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Only download apps from trusted sources like Google Play and official websites. Before installing an app, check user reviews and ratings for any signs of suspicious activity. Use a trusted mobile antivirus to detect and block malware. Keep your Android device and apps up to date.
Avoid clicking on ads, pop-ups, or similar elements on suspicious websites. Do not open files or links within shady emails, text messages, or messages received on social media.
Deceptive websites distributing fake apps that drop AppLite Banker (source: zimperium.com):
A layout displayed after launching a fake app (source: zimperium.com):
Layouts displayed after the installation (source: zimperium.com):
Overlay attacks performed by AppLite Banker (source: zimperium.com):
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 AppLite Banker malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Formatting your device is a reliable option, but it will erase all data. Before you format, use a trusted antivirus or anti-malware app like Combo Cleaner to scan and clean your device.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Malware can cause privacy risks, encrypt files, and deliver additional threats. It may also cause issues like identity theft, financial loss, and slower system performance.
What is the purpose of AppLite Banker malware?
AppLite Banker can steal sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial data, and personal details, by impersonating legitimate apps. It targets users of banking, financial, and cryptocurrency apps, often using fake login forms. It has a set of additional capabilities (more on this in our article above).
How did AppLite Banker malware infiltrate my device?
AppLite Banker likely infiltrated your device through a phishing email or message, tricking you into downloading a fake app. Once installed, the app deployed AppLite Banker.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most known malware infections. However, advanced malware often hides deep within the system, so it is important to run a full system scan.
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