How to remove EagleMsgSpy from infected devices
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is EagleMsgSpy?
EagleMsgSpy is a surveillance tool consisting of an installer APK and a client that runs secretly on the device. The malware targets Android users. Once infiltrated, EagleMsgSpy collects a wide range of data from infected devices. It has been active since 2017 and continues to evolve.
EagleMsgSpy overview
EagleMsgSpy requires physical access to a device to start its malicious activities. This is the only known way the malware is distributed, and neither the installer nor the surveillance module has been found on Google Play (or other stores).
EagleMsgSpy harvests various data from the victim's device, including monitoring device use and intercepting incoming messages through Notification Listener and Accessibility Services. It also gathers messages from popular apps such as QQ, Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp, and WeChat.
Furthermore, the malware records the device's screen, takes screenshots, and captures audio while the device is in use. It also collects call logs, SMS messages, and device contacts, providing a detailed record of communications. Moreover, EagleMsgSpy compiles a list of installed applications and retrieves GPS coordinates to track the device's location.
It also gathers details about Wi-Fi and network connections and lists files in the device's external storage. Finally, the tool collects bookmarks from the infected device's browser. Cybercriminals can profit from this malware by using the collected data for various malicious purposes.
The malware can be used to spy on private conversations and potentially access financial or personal accounts, leading to identity theft or fraud. Threat actors may also use the obtained information to scam or blackmail victims. Moreover, they may find ways to trick other people into downloading this (or other malware) or taking other harmful actions.
| Name | EagleMsgSpy spyware |
| Threat Type | Android malware, spyware |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (APK:RepMalware [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Android.Monitor.Agent.EM), DrWeb (Android.SmsSpy.559.origin), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.AndroidOS.Boogr.gsh), 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 | The malware appears to be distributed using a physical access method. |
| Potential Damage | Stolen personal information, decreased device performance, battery is drained quickly, decreased Internet speed, huge data 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, EagleMsgSpy is a powerful surveillance tool that collects a wide range of sensitive data from victims’ devices. It can be used for spying on personal communications, tracking location, and accessing private information. Cybercriminals can exploit this data for various malicious purposes, making it a serious threat to privacy and security.
Some examples of other malware targeting Android users are AppLite Banker, Monokle Spyware, and ToxicPanda Trojan.
How did EagleMsgSpy infiltrate my device?
It seems that EagleMsgSpy is distributed through a physical access method. It requires someone to unlock the victim’s device and install the malicious tool directly. The tool is delivered via an installer component, which is the only known way it spreads. It has not been found on Google Play or other app stores, suggesting that it is not distributed through these channels.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Download apps only from trusted sources like Google Play or official websites. Before installing, check user reviews and ratings for negative comments. Keep your Android device and apps up to date. Use a reliable mobile antivirus to find and eliminate malware.
Avoid opening links or files in shady emails, text messages, or social media messages. Do not click on ads, pop-ups, or other suspicious content encountered on questionable web pages.
EagleMsgSpy's administration panel (source: lookout.com):
Another screenshot of the EagleMsgSpy's administration panel (source: lookout.com):
EagleMsgSpy installation options (source: lookout.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 EagleMsgSpy malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Formatting your device is one way to eliminate malware, but it will also erase all your data. Before doing so, use a trusted antivirus or anti-malware app like Combo Cleaner to try to remove the malware.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Depending on the type and capabilities, malware can compromise your privacy, encrypt files, and introduce more threats. It can also lead to problems such as identity theft, financial loss, and decreased system performance.
What is the purpose of EagleMsgSpy?
The purpose of EagleMsgSpy is to function as a surveillance tool used to monitor and collect extensive data from a target device.
How did a malware infiltrate my device?
Android malware typically spreads through malicious apps downloaded from unofficial sources (e.g., unofficial web pages or app stores), deceptive emails or messages, or infected websites. Sometimes, threat actors successfully infiltrate their malware into legitimate app stores.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
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.
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