Trojan:Android/FakeRegSMS

Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

Trojan

Platform :

Android

Aliases :

Trojan:Android/FakeRegSMS, Trojan:Android/FakeRegSMS.A, Trojan:Android/FakeRegSMS.B

Summary

Trojan:Android/FakeRegSMS appears to be an installer; on execution however it silently signs up the user for a SMS-subscription based service.

Removal

Once the scan is complete, the F-Secure security product will ask if you want to uninstall the file, move it to the quarantine or keep it installed on your device.

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

The variants in the FakeRegSMS malware family appear to be installers; on execution however, no application are installed and the user is instead silently signed up for a SMS-subscription based service.

During installation, the Trojans request for permissions that will allow the following actions:

  • Modifying SD card contents
  • Sending out SMS messages
  • Reading the device.s information

The FakeRegSMS.B variants utilizes a pseudo-cryptic technique to conceal information in a PNG image file. The same image is used as the icon, and it becomes visible during and after the installation.

Variants

  • Trojan:Android/FakeRegSMS.A
  • Trojan:Android/FakeRegSMS.B

More

This malware is discussed in further detail in: Q1 2012 Mobile Threat Report (PDF).