How to remove SuperCard X from infected devices

What kind of malware is SuperCard X?

SuperCard X is a mobile malware targeting Android users. It is offered to cyber criminals through a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) model. The attackers focus on customers of banks and credit card companies, with the goal of stealing their payment card information. Victims of SuperCard X are strongly advised to eliminate the malware immediately.

SuperCard X malware and its distribution in detail

The attack is initiated when the victim receives a fraudulent SMS or WhatsApp message pretending to be from their bank. The message warns of a suspicious transaction and urges the victim to call a specific number to fix the issue. When the victim calls the number, a scammer persuades the victim to reveal sensitive information like their card number and PIN.

It is important to note that a fraudster may also try to convince the victim to disable spending limits through their banking app. Furthermore, the attacker tricks the victim into downloading a fake app called "Reader", which is disguised as a security or identity verification tool.

This app contains the SuperCard X malware, enabling the attackers to carry out their fraudulent activities. The "Reader" app asks for only basic permissions, primarily access to the device's NFC module, which allows the attacker to steal payment card data. In this campaign, the scammer also instructs the victim to tap their payment card on the phone to verify it.

This enables the malware to capture the card's chip data. The attacker uses this information through a "Tapper" app to mimic the victim's card. Fake cards created by the attackers let them make contactless payments at stores and withdraw money from ATMs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the attack relies on simple social engineering, it allows cybercriminals to efficiently steal funds by exploiting NFC technology. The combination of multiple tactics in one campaign highlights the growing need for advanced detection systems to prevent such attacks.

More examples of Android malware are Salvador Stealer, Tria Stealer, and Crocodilus Trojan.

How did SuperCard X infiltrate my device?

SuperCard X typically infects devices through social engineering tactics. The victim may receive a fake SMS or WhatsApp message pretending to be from their bank, alerting them about a suspicious transaction and urging them to call a number for assistance. Once the victim calls the number, a scammer posing as a bank support agent convinces them to reveal their PIN or other personal details.

The scammer then tricks the victim into downloading a fake app, often disguised as a security or verification tool (called "Reader"). This app contains the SuperCard X malware.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Always download apps from official sources like the Google Play Store or developer websites. Regularly update your Android device’s operating system and apps. Install a trusted mobile security app to scan for and protect against malware. Be cautious with unexpected or suspicious links in emails, messages, or social media.

Enable Google Play Protect and avoid interacting with pop-ups or ads that appear when browsing, especially on questionable, unofficial, or similar websites.

An illustration of the "Reader" and "Tapper" apps on devices (source: cleafy.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".

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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).

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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.

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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".

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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".

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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.

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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".

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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;

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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 SuperCard X malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

If your device is infected with SuperCard X malware, formatting the storage can help remove it completely. However, try using a trusted antivirus like Combo Cleaner first, and only consider formatting as a last resort.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can steal sensitive data, drain financial accounts, damage files, slow down your device, spy on your activity, and open backdoors for further attacks, and more.

What is the purpose of SuperCard X?

SuperCard X is designed to facilitate fraudulent financial transactions by exploiting near-field communication (NFC) technology. Its primary function is to enable cybercriminals to conduct unauthorized point-of-sale (PoS) and ATM transactions using stolen payment card data.​

How did SuperCard X infiltrate my device?

SuperCard X likely infiltrated your device through social engineering. You may have received a fake SMS or WhatsApp message pretending to be from your bank, urging you to call a number. A scammer then tricked you into installing a malicious app—disguised as a security or verification tool—that contained the malware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove nearly all known known malware. However, advanced malware often buries itself deep within the system, so performing a full system scan is essential for cleanup.