How to remove DocSwap from infected Android devices
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is DocSwap?
DocSwap is Android malware disguised as a "Document Viewing Authentication App". Its features suggest that the attackers use it to gather sensitive information from infected devices, potentially compromising personal data and security. Users who unknowingly install this malware may face privacy risks, including identity theft and data breaches.
DocSwap malware in detail
DocSwap first decrypts a hidden APK file and executes malicious code stored in an internal DEX file. It uses a modified version of the LoadedApkPlugin open-source project to achieve this, adding an extra XOR encryption layer to make detection and analysis more difficult.
Once decrypted, the APK loads the DEX file, which then carries out various malicious activities. These include stealing sensitive information through keylogging (using accessibility services), transferring files over network sockets, manipulating the device’s camera, and recording audio.
The malware extracts all the permissions listed in its file and attempts to gain full access to the device. If certain permissions are not automatically granted, the malware actively prompts the user to approve them. DocSwap seeks permissions to view and modify call logs, read, edit, and delete contacts, and initiate phone calls.
It also tries to get permissions to access device status and information, read and write external storage files, intercept, send, and read SMS messages, and send notifications. Once granted, these permissions allow the malware to record keystrokes and perform other malicious activities. It is known that DocSwap can execute over 50 commands.
To stay active, DocSwap malware runs a hidden background service that starts automatically when the phone reboots. It also creates persistent notifications to prevent the system from disabling it.
With DocSwap, cybercriminals can steal login credentials, private messages, and other sensitive data. They can also transfer files remotely, activate the device’s camera to spy on users, and secretly record audio. This malware allows attackers to monitor victims, steal financial or personal information, and use it for fraud, identity theft, and other malicious purposes.
| Name | DocSwap malicious application |
| Threat Type | Android malware, malicious application, unwanted application. |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Android.Riskware.FakeApp.aAD), ESET-NOD32 (Android/Spy.Agent.ECE), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Spy.AndroidOS.Agent.amn), 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 | Document Viewing Authentication App, third-party/unofficial app stores, deceptive links in fraudulent messages, malicious ads. |
| 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 (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Conclusion
DocSwap is a dangerous Android malware that steals sensitive information, spies on users, and maintains persistence on infected devices. Its capabilities pose serious risks, including data theft, financial fraud, and privacy invasion. Removing it quickly is essential to prevent harm.
More examples of Android malware are PlayPraetor, KoSpy, and SpyLend.
How did DocSwap infiltrate my device?
DocSwap malware is distributed under the guise of a "Document Viewing Authentication App". Such malicious apps are typically distributed through unofficial/third-party app stores, malicious ads, phishing or compromised websites, or malicious links sent via email or messaging platforms. Users often execute malicious apps unknowingly.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Always download apps from trusted sources, such as Google Play, and avoid third-party app stores or unverified websites. Do not click links in unexpected or suspicious emails, SMS messages, or social media posts, as these could direct you to malicious downloads or other malicious content.
Regularly update your Android system and apps, and make sure to enable Google Play Protect for extra protection. Also, do not trust pop-ups, ads, and similar elements on dubious web pages.
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 infected with DocSwap malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Formatting your storage device can remove DocSwap. However, it is better to use a trusted antivirus or malware removal tool like Combo Cleaner to scan and clean your device, as formatting will erase all data stored on a device.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Malware can steal personal data, corrupt files, inject more malicious payloads, and slow down devices. It may also grant attackers control over a system.
What is the purpose of DocSwap?
The purpose of DocSwap is to steal sensitive information from Android devices. This can include login credentials, personal data, and other private information. The malware uses keylogging, spying on the device's camera, and recording audio to do this.
How did DocSwap infiltrate my device?
DocSwap likely infiltrated your device through a malicious app disguised as a legitimate "Document Viewing Authentication" app. It may have been downloaded from an unofficial app store, a suspicious link, malicious advertisement, or a similar source.
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 it is essential to perform a full system scan to ensure thorough removal.
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