Library
My library

+ Add to library

Profile

Android.Elite.1.origin

Added to the Dr.Web virus database: 2015-03-18

Virus description added:

A malicious program infecting Android handhelds. Can be distributed in the guise of popular applications. A vandal program that wipes removable memory cards and blocks access to certain applications.

screen

Wiping memory cards

When launched, Android.Elite.1.origin requests access to administrative features of the mobile devices that are supposedly needed to complete the application's installation of the application. A corresponding message is displayed on the screen until the user agrees to perform the desired action (many Android-Android.Locker programs act in a similar fashion).

screen

If successful, the malware will delete all the data from the SD card.

Working with SMS

Android.Elite.1.origin sends messages to all the contacts phone in the phone book in five second intervals. The message text is as follows:

HEY!!! [contact_name] Elite has hacked you.Obey or be hacked.

The malicious program blocks new message notifications to hide all incoming SMS messages. All received messages are placed into the inbox.

The program uses the method PhoneNumberUtils.isGlobalPhoneNumber() to check sender phone numbers of all received short messages against its list of cellular networks. If the number is validated, the message that reads Elite has hacked you.Obey or be hacked is sent to this number.

Blocking applications

The malicious applications checks every 0.5 second if any of the following programs is running:

  • WhatsApp Messenger (com.whatsapp)
  • Facebook (com.facebook.katana)
  • Hangouts (com.google.android.talk)
  • The default system SMS and MMS application (com.android.mms)

Should Android.Elite.1.origin find a window of any of these applications, the following image will be displayed on top of the program interface:

screen

Thus, it makes using the application impossible.

Curing recommendations


Android

  1. If the mobile device is operating normally, download and install Dr.Web for Android Light. Run a full system scan and follow recommendations to neutralize the detected threats.
  2. If the mobile device has been locked by Android.Locker ransomware (the message on the screen tells you that you have broken some law or demands a set ransom amount; or you will see some other announcement that prevents you from using the handheld normally), do the following:
    • Load your smartphone or tablet in the safe mode (depending on the operating system version and specifications of the particular mobile device involved, this procedure can be performed in various ways; seek clarification from the user guide that was shipped with the device, or contact its manufacturer);
    • Once you have activated safe mode, install the Dr.Web для Android Light onto the infected handheld and run a full scan of the system; follow the steps recommended for neutralizing the threats that have been detected;
    • Switch off your device and turn it on as normal.

Find out more about Dr.Web for Android