ADBminer Android Cryptomining Botnet

A new botnet malware has been observed targeting Android devices. Known as ADBminer, it uses the enrolled devices to mine the Monero cryptocurrency.

Threat ID:: CC-2029
Category:
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:
Published:: 8 February 2018 12:00 AM

Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

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Summary

A new botnet malware has been observed targeting Android devices. Known as ADBminer, it uses the enrolled devices to mine the Monero cryptocurrency.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Android

Google Android - All versions

Threat details

ADBminer uses the same code as the Mirai IoT worm to scan for devices with port 5555 open. On Android devices this port is used by the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool to allow low-level access to the operating system.

Once a vulnerable device is found ADBminer uses the ADB tool to install itself and begin mining operations. Despite the ease with which

Remediation advice

To avoid botnet infection:

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails. All operating systems, antivirus and other security products are kept up to date. All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts. Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged. Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity. User accounts accessed from infected machines should be reset on a clean computer. Additionally, all Android devices ship with port 5555 disabled by default. User should ensure that this port has not been opened, either through their own or the vendors actions, on their devices and close ii unless it is explicitly required.

Type

Step

A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
All operating systems, antivirus and other security products are kept up to date.
All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged.
Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
User accounts accessed from infected machines should be reset on a clean computer.

Additionally, all Android devices ship with port 5555 disabled by default. User should ensure that this port has not been opened, either through their own or the vendors actions, on their devices and close ii unless it is explicitly required.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:35 pm