A new Android backdoor called Keenadu has been discovered embedded in the firmware of several tablet brands. It infects the libandroid_runtime.so library during firmware building, injecting itself into every app launched on the device. Keenadu provides attackers unrestricted control over victims' devices, primarily for ad fraud purposes. The investigation revealed connections between Keenadu and other major Android botnets like Triada, BADBOX, and Vo1d. The malware was found in system apps, Google Play apps, and modified versions of popular apps. Over 13,000 users worldwide have been affected, with Russia, Japan, Germany, Brazil and the Netherlands seeing the highest number of infections.
Kaspersky researchers have discovered a new version of the Triada Trojan being distributed through infected Android device firmware. The malware is embedded into system files before devices are sold, making it nearly impossible to remove. It infects the Zygote process to compromise all apps on the device. The Trojan's modular architecture allows attackers to deliver targeted payloads for stealing cryptocurrency, credentials, and other sensitive data from popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and banking apps. It can also intercept SMS messages, make calls, and act as a reverse proxy. Over 4,500 infected devices have been detected worldwide, with the highest numbers in Russia, UK, Netherlands, Germany and Brazil. The attackers have stolen over $264,000 in cryptocurrency so far.
