Removal instructions for the PlainGnome spyware-type malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is PlainGnome?
PlainGnome is an Android-specific spyware. It is designed to record and steal vulnerable information from infected devices. PlainGnome emerged in 2024.
This malware is associated with Gamaredon (also known as Primitive Bear and Shuckworm) – a Russian state-backed threat actor, specifically affiliated with the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB). PlainGnome has been used to target Russian-speaking users located in former USSR states, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
PlainGnome malware overview
PlainGnome spyware has been observed infiltrating systems under the guise of an image gallery app (other disguises are likely). It has a two-phase infection chain. Essentially, the process relies on a dropper to introduce PlainGnome into the device.
The first stage hinges on the "REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES" permission being granted. Victims themselves trigger the second stage, as they are presented with a full-screen that only has a single button with the word "каталог" ("catalog" in English) that they are lured into pressing. However, keep in mind that different screens/disguises could be utilized.
PlainGnome uses additional permissions for SMSes, contacts, call logs, and the camera. This malware also has some anti-analysis capabilities, such as detecting when it is launched in an emulated environment. The spyware tries to gain root access on infected devices.
Targeted information includes: device data, mobile service provider details, contacts (i.e., names, phone numbers, etc.), call logs (i.e., type – incoming/outgoing, contact names, phone numbers, duration, date/time), notifications, received/sent SMSes (i.e., recipients, message contents, date/time), geolocation data (e.g., GPS), and browsing histories.
Furthermore, PlainGnome can take screenshots and photos (via the device's cameras). The spyware can also record phone calls and audio in general, regardless of whether the screen is active.
It must be mentioned that malware developers commonly improve upon their software and methodologies. Therefore, possible future iterations of PlainGnome may have additional/different functionalities or features.
To summarize, the presence of malware like PlainGnome on systems can result in serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | PlainGnome malware |
| Threat Type | Android malware, malicious application, spyware. |
| Detection Names | DrWeb (Android.Backdoor.872.origin), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Android/Monitor.Drower.H), Fortinet (Adware/Drower!Android), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:Monitor.AndroidOS.Dr), 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-targeting spyware examples
We have written about countless malicious programs; Monokle, AwSpy, Mandrake, Kamran, and Predator are merely some of our newest articles on spyware.
Malware that targets information is widespread, and it is often used in combination with other types. Yet regardless of what (if any) information that malicious software seeks – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user privacy. Hence, all threats must be eliminated upon detection.
How did PlainGnome infiltrate my device?
As previously mentioned, PlainGnome has been observed infiltrating systems under an "image gallery" themed app. However, the spyware could wear other disguises and spread through varied methods. In general, malware is distributed using phishing and social engineering tactics.
Malicious software is most commonly proliferated via drive-by downloads, malvertising, malicious attachments/links in spam mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, etc.), online scams, pirated content, suspect download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), illegal activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.
Some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
We strongly advise researching software prior to downloading/purchasing by reading terms and expert/user reviews, checking required permissions, verifying developer legitimacy, etc. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. Software must be activated and updated using genuine functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties may contain malware.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since the Internet is full of well-disguised fake and dangerous content. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.
It is paramount to have a dependable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats.
Screen displayed to trick users intro triggering the second stage of PlainGnome's infection chain (image source – Lookout):
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 PlainGnome malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal rarely requires such drastic measures.
What are the biggest issues that PlainGnome malware can cause?
The threats associated with an infection depend on the malicious program's capabilities and the cyber criminals' goals. PlainGnome is a spyware – a type of software that records/exfiltrates sensitive data. Hence, the presence of this malware on a device can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of PlainGnome malware?
PlainGnome has been used in geopolitically motivated attacks by a threat actor associated with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). However, profit is what drives malware infections in most cases. Attacks can also be motivated by cyber criminals seeking amusement or realization of personal vendettas, process disruptions (e.g., sites, services, companies, etc.), and hacktivism.
How did PlainGnome malware infiltrate my Android device?
Malware is primarily distributed via drive-by downloads, suspicious download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), pirated content, illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), fake updates, spam mail, online scams, and malvertising. Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner is designed to eliminate all kinds of threats. It can detect and remove most of the known malware infections. Keep in mind that sophisticated malicious software typically hides deep within systems – therefore, running a complete system scan is crucial.
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