SMS-Controlled Malware Hijacking Android Phones

wiredmikey writes "Security researchers have discovered new Android malware controlled via SMS that can do a number of things on the compromised device including recording calls and surrounding noise. Called TigerBot, the recently discovered malware was found circulating in the wild via non-official Android channels. Based on the code examination, the researchers from NQ Mobile, alongside researchers at North Carolina State University said that TigerBot can record sounds in the immediate area of the device, as well as calls themselves. It also has the ability to alter network settings, report its current GPS coordinates, capture and upload images, kill other processes, and reboot the phone. TigerBot will hide itself on a compromised device by forgoing an icon on the home screen, and by masking itself with a legit application name such as Flash or System. Once installed and active, it will register a receiver with a high priority to listen to the intent with action 'android.provider.Telephony.SMS_RECEIVED.'"

Comments

Re:NQ Mobile link

[OzPeter]

I'm having a hard time understanding why anyone would install the typical greyware apps from a random source outside of the android market... seems pretty risky.

Because they're free to do so .. not like those Apple hipsters that force you to use their walled garden.
 
What's the point of a differentiating your market (walled vs non-walled) if your customers can't exploit all of the possibilities?
 
So the Android crowd has traded oversight for freedom, and rationalized that the risk is worth it..