Skip to main content

FluBot - Distribution vectors & Threat network infrastructure

Low
Published: Fri Aug 30 2024 (08/30/2024, 00:00:00 UTC)
Source: CIRCL
Vendor/Project: misp-galaxy
Product: malpedia

Description

FluBot - Distribution vectors & Threat network infrastructure

AI-Powered Analysis

AILast updated: 07/02/2025, 07:26:27 UTC

Technical Analysis

FluBot is a well-known Android banking Trojan that primarily targets mobile devices through SMS phishing campaigns and malicious app installations. It propagates by sending infected SMS messages to contacts on compromised devices, often masquerading as delivery notifications or other urgent messages to entice users to click on malicious links. Once installed, FluBot can steal banking credentials, intercept SMS messages, harvest contact lists, and perform overlay attacks to capture sensitive information. The provided information references FluBot's distribution vectors and threat network infrastructure, indicating ongoing monitoring and analysis of how the malware spreads and the command-and-control (C2) infrastructure supporting it. Although the severity is marked as low and no known exploits in the wild are currently reported in this specific entry, FluBot remains a persistent threat due to its ability to spread rapidly via social engineering and its focus on financial theft. The technical details suggest a moderate threat level (3) with limited analysis certainty (50%), reflecting ongoing intelligence gathering rather than a new or escalating campaign. The lack of affected versions or patches indicates this is an informational update rather than a new vulnerability or exploit. Overall, FluBot represents a mobile malware threat that leverages social engineering and network infrastructure to compromise Android devices and steal sensitive financial data.

Potential Impact

For European organizations, FluBot poses a significant risk primarily to employees using Android mobile devices, especially those who may receive SMS messages on corporate or personal phones linked to work accounts. The malware's ability to steal banking credentials and intercept communications can lead to financial fraud, unauthorized access to corporate accounts, and potential lateral movement if corporate credentials are compromised. Additionally, the theft of contact lists can facilitate further phishing campaigns targeting European businesses and their partners. Given Europe's high smartphone penetration and reliance on mobile banking, FluBot's impact could extend to financial institutions, SMEs, and large enterprises alike. The threat is particularly relevant for sectors with high financial transaction volumes or sensitive customer data, such as banking, insurance, and e-commerce. While the current threat level is low, the persistent nature of FluBot's distribution methods and infrastructure means European organizations must remain vigilant to prevent infection and data loss.

Mitigation Recommendations

To mitigate FluBot risks, European organizations should implement targeted mobile security awareness training emphasizing the dangers of SMS phishing and the risks of installing apps from untrusted sources. Deploying mobile threat defense (MTD) solutions that can detect and block malicious apps and network traffic associated with FluBot is critical. Organizations should enforce strict mobile device management (MDM) policies, including restricting app installations to official app stores and enabling real-time monitoring for suspicious activity. Additionally, multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be mandated for all financial and corporate accounts to reduce the impact of credential theft. Regularly updating mobile operating systems and security software helps close vulnerabilities that malware might exploit. Finally, organizations should collaborate with threat intelligence providers to stay informed about FluBot infrastructure changes and emerging distribution tactics, enabling proactive defense adjustments.

Need more detailed analysis?Get Pro

Technical Details

Threat Level
3
Analysis
0
Original Timestamp
1745452996

Threat ID: 682acdbebbaf20d303f0c2fd

Added to database: 5/19/2025, 6:20:46 AM

Last enriched: 7/2/2025, 7:26:27 AM

Last updated: 7/25/2025, 10:12:49 AM

Views: 12

Actions

PRO

Updates to AI analysis are available only with a Pro account. Contact root@offseq.com for access.

Please log in to the Console to use AI analysis features.

External Links

Need enhanced features?

Contact root@offseq.com for Pro access with improved analysis and higher rate limits.

Latest Threats