Thursday, 24 April 2025
26.8 C
Singapore
29.9 C
Thailand
19.5 C
Indonesia
28.8 C
Philippines

ESET Research discovers eXotic Visit campaign, targeted attack via fake messaging apps, available on web and Google Play

ESET researchers discover an Android spyware campaign, eXotic Visit, using apps posing as messengers to target users in India and Pakistan.

ESET researchers have discovered an active espionage campaign targeting Android users with apps primarily posing as messaging services. While these apps offer functional services as bait, they are bundled with the open-source XploitSPY malware. ESET has named this campaign eXotic Visit and has tracked its activities from November 2021 through to the end of 2023. The targeted campaign has been distributing malicious Android apps through dedicated websites and, for a period of time, through the Google Play store as well. Because of the targeted nature of the campaign, the apps available on Google Play had a low number of installs; all of them have been removed from the store. In this likely targeted attack, the eXotic Visit campaign appears to primarily target a select group of Android users in Pakistan and India. There is no indication that this campaign is linked to any known group; however, ESET is tracking the threat actors behind it under the moniker Virtual Invaders.

Apps that contain XploitSPY can extract contact lists and files; extract the device’s GPS location; and extract the names of files listed in specific directories related to the camera, downloads, and various messaging apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp. If certain filenames are deemed to be of interest, they can subsequently be extracted from these directories via an additional command from the command and control (C&C) server. Interestingly, the implementation of the chat functionality integrated with XploitSPY is unique; we strongly believe that this chat function was developed by the Virtual Invaders group.

The malware also uses a native library, which is often used in Android app development for improving performance and accessing system features. However, in this case, the library is used to hide sensitive information, like the addresses of the C&C servers, making it harder for security tools to analyze the app.

The apps – Dink Messenger, Sim Info, and Defcom – were taken down from Google Play; moreover, as a Google App Defense Alliance partner, ESET identified ten additional apps that contain code that is based on XploitSPY and shared its findings with Google. Following the ESET alert, the apps were removed from the store. Each of the apps had a low number of installs, suggesting a targeted approach rather than a broad strategy. Overall, around 380 victims have downloaded the apps from websites and Google Play store and created accounts to use their messaging functionality. Because of the targeted nature of the campaign, the number of installs of each app from Google Play is relatively low – between zero and 45.

ESET has identified the malicious code used as a customised version of the open-source Android RAT, XploitSPY. It is bundled with legitimate app functionality, most of the time being a fake, but functioning, messaging application. The campaign has evolved over the years to include obfuscation, emulator detection, and hiding of C&C addresses.

XploitSPY is widely available, and customised versions have been used by multiple threat actors such as the Transparent Tribe APT group, as documented by Meta. However, the modifications found in the apps are distinctive and differ from those in previously documented variants of the XploitSPY malware.

For more technical information about the eXotic Visit campaign, see the blog post “eXotic Visit campaign: Tracing the footprints of Virtual Invaders.”

Hot this week

Tenable uncovers critical privilege escalation flaw in Google Cloud Composer

Tenable exposes a GCP vulnerability in Cloud Composer that allows privilege escalation through interdependent cloud services.

ASUS introduces the first smart band with fingertip blood pressure and ECG tracking

ASUS launches VivoWatch 6 Aero, the first smart band with fingertip blood pressure and ECG tracking, powered by advanced health AI.

Tesla profits drop sharply as sales weaken and Musk backlash grows

Tesla’s profits fall 71% as sales dip, political backlash grows, and hopes turn to cheaper EVs and robotaxi plans.

GitLab announces general availability of GitLab Duo with Amazon Q

GitLab announces the general availability of GitLab Duo with Amazon Q, combining DevSecOps and AI to accelerate secure software development.

xAI’s Grok chatbot now lets you ask questions about what you see

Grok’s new Vision tool lets iPhone users ask questions about what they see. Updates also add real-time voice search and memory features.

POCO launches entry-level C71 smartphone in Singapore with premium features

POCO launches the budget-friendly C71 smartphone in Singapore, offering premium design, enhanced cameras, and smooth performance at S$109.

NVIDIA uses AI to address climate, wildlife and disaster risks

NVIDIA’s AI tools support climate action, wildlife monitoring, and disaster risk mitigation, with uses spanning sea, land, sky and space.

Netflix raises subscription prices in Singapore again

Netflix again raises subscription prices in Singapore, with new rates for all plans and extra member slots.

GameMax unveils Blade Concept ATX case with bold design and powerful features

GameMax launches the Blade Concept ATX case, which features a striking blade design, RGB lighting, and support for high-end liquid-cooled PC builds.

Related Articles

Popular Categories