Gustuff Android Trojan

First observed in April 2018, Gustuff is an advanced trojan targeting Android banking and cryptocurrency applications. Based on the older AndyBot malware, its developer is offering it for sale on several hacking forums.

Threat ID:: CC-2998
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:: Download
Published:: 29 March 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Android

Google Android - All versions

Threat details

Gustuff is distributed as a link sent via SMS message. When opened, this link redirects users to an Android application package (APK) file containing Gustuff. The APK file will not deploy if it detects that the device is using a Cyrillic language or is physically located in Russia.

Once installed, Gustuff request administration privileges before hiding itself. It will then use Android Accessibility features to access and alter content in text fields within applications in order to extract account credentials from banking, payment system, market place or messaging applications. It will then use these credentials to place unauthorised transactions. Alongside this, Gustuff has the following capabilities:

Transfer and delete files.
Access contacts list.
Display spoof push notifications.
Read and send SMS messages.
Send USSD messages.
Launch SOCKS5 proxy servers.
Reset the device.

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	To prevent and detect a trojan infection, ensure that: 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, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date. Regular anti-virus and security scans are performed on your organisation’s estate. All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts. Strong password policies are in place. Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity. User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer. Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Type

Step

To prevent and detect a trojan infection, ensure that:

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, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date.
Regular anti-virus and security scans are performed on your organisation’s estate.
All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
Strong password policies are in place.
Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer.
Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Last edited: 14 February 2020 2:50 pm