Trojan:Android/HippoSms

Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

Trojan

Platform :

Android

Aliases :

Trojan:Android/HippoSms, Trojan:Android/HippoSms.A

Summary

Trojan:Android/HippoSms silently sends SMS messages and deletes messages from specific, service operator-related numbers.

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

Trojan:Android/HippoSms was found being distributed in an unofficial, Chinese third party Android app market in late July, 2011.

On execution, the app sends SMS messages containing the text '=8' to numbers beginning with '10', and deletes incoming messages from numbers starting with '10' and/or '13'; both these numbers are related to mainland China-based service operators.

Services and receivers related to the trojan's activities are as follow:

  • .sms.BootReceiver
  • .sms.MessageService
  • SplashActivity
  • MessageService

HippoSms.A also writes code using ContentObserver to monitor changes in the SMS message contents and to trigger its SMS message deletion routine.