How to remove ads displayed by Vapor Android apps
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What are Vapor Ads?
Vapor refers to a malware family targeting Android devices. Malicious apps belonging to this family operate as advertising-supported software (adware). These applications display full-screen advertisements and can collect sensitive information.
The Vapor campaign emerged in 2024 and is ongoing as of the time of writing. This group comprises at least 180 applications promoted via the Google Play Store, which have been downloaded over 60 million times.
Vapor Ads overview
Malicious apps belonging to the Vapor group are distributed as legitimate and useful tools. They have been spread via the Google Play Store. Since the campaign's beginning in 2024, countless have been removed from the platform, yet even a brief hosting period can be incredibly successful – which is true of Vapor, as the applications have been downloaded over sixty million times.
Some of the initial Vapor apps did indeed have the promised functionality and did not operate as adware, the related capabilities were added later.
This software uses anti-detection and anti-analysis mechanisms; it is well-obfuscated and can detect when launched in an emulated environment and can detect debuggers.
Unlikely most malicious Android programs, Vapor applications do not rely on extensive permissions but rather have unique abilities to bypass security measures implemented in Android 13 and later versions. They leverage the Android ContentProvider to establish the initial foothold on a device, thus evading the necessity of any human interaction since the component is jumpstarted upon installation.
Said abilities are also used to hide these app icons so that they would not show up in the Launcher. Some applications attempt to hide in Settings as well.
Vapor collects relevant device data, e.g., brand/model, device name, unique identifiers, geolocation-related details (like language settings), etc.
These malicious apps display interstitial advertisements (i.e., full-screen ads that overlay host app interfaces). Many are video adverts, and none can be closed by users because Vapor applications disable the Back button.
The delivered advertisements may promote legitimate content, but they can also endorse scams (e.g., phishing, tech support, refund, etc.), untrustworthy/hazardous software (e.g., adware, browser hijackers, PUAs, fake anti-viruses, etc.), and malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, etc.).
Vapor apps have been observed running phishing scams by redirecting to data-recording websites or displaying such overlay ads. Hence, through fake sign-in screens, registration pages, and payment forms – cyber criminals can extract log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable information, credit/debit card numbers, and other vulnerable data.
It is pertinent to mention that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Therefore, potential future iterations of Vapor could have additional/different functionalities and features.
To summarize, the presence of software like the Vapor applications on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Vapor malware |
| Threat Type | Android malware, malicious application, unwanted application, adware, advertising-supported software. |
| Detection Names | Combo Cleaner (Android.Riskware.HiddenAds.MN), K7GW (Trojan ( 005abdab1 )), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.AndroidOS.Hid), Symantec Mobile Insight (AdLibrary:Generisk), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Intrusive advertisements are delivered, device is running slow, data and battery usage is increased significantly, browsers redirect to questionable websites. |
| 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. |
| Malware Removal (Android) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your mobile device with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Android-specific adware and malware examples
Wapron, "Mobile apps Group", AppLovin – are just a couple of our articles on Android-specific adware, while PlayPraetor, KoSpy, SpyLend, SparkCat – are some of our latest on malware targeting these operating systems.
Malicious software can have a wide variety of capabilities or be designed for an incredibly specific purpose. Yet regardless of how these programs operate – their presence on a system endangers device and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did a Vapor application infiltrate my device?
Vapor group apps have been distributed through the Google Play Store with incredible success – over 60 million downloads. While more than a hundred have been removed from the Play Store, it is not unlikely that some have remained undetected.
These applications are presented as genuine-looking tools; known disguises include QR code scanners, health apps, fitness apps, password managers, wallpaper apps, motivational quote apps, etc. Other disguises and proliferation methods are possible. Phishing and social engineering tactics are standard.
The most prevalent distribution techniques include: untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), drive-by downloads, online scams, malicious attachments or links in spam mail (e.g., SMSes, emails, PMs/DMs, etc.), malvertising, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
Some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
We highly recommend researching software before downloading by reading terms and expert/user reviews, checking required permissions, and verifying developer legitimacy. Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified channels. Software must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and dangerous content. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links present in suspect/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be malicious.
We must emphasize the importance of having 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/issues.
Examples of ads displayed by Vapor applications (image sources: Bitdefender and IAS Threat Lab):
App disguises used by Vapor (image source – Bitdefender):
App disguises used by Vapor (image source – IAS Threat Lab):
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 Vapor, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware/Adware removal rarely requires formatting.
What are the biggest issues that Vapor Ads can cause?
Vapor apps display adverts that significantly diminish user experience and can promote harmful content capable of causing system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, and other severe issues. These applications may also run phishing scams targeting log-in credentials, credit/debit card numbers, and other vulnerable data.
How did a Vapor app infiltrate my Android device?
Vapor apps have been spread via the Google Play Store under the guise of legitimate tools (e.g., health apps, QR scanners, fitness apps, wallpaper apps, etc.). Other distribution methods are not unlikely.
Generally, malicious software is distributed through malvertising, spam emails/messages, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, third-party app stores, etc.), online scams, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-proliferate via 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 stressed that performing a complete system scan is crucial since high-end malicious programs typically hide deep within systems.
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