www.bleepingcomputer.com
Open in
urlscan Pro
104.20.59.209
Public Scan
URL:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/android-malware-escobar-steals-your-google-authenticator-mfa-codes/
Submission: On March 14 via api from US — Scanned from DE
Submission: On March 14 via api from US — Scanned from DE
Form analysis 6 forms found in the DOM
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/search/
<form title="Search site" action="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/search/">
<input type="hidden" name="cx" value="partner-pub-0920899300397823:3529943228">
<input type="hidden" name="cof" value="FORID:10">
<input type="hidden" name="ie" value="UTF-8">
<input type="search" name="q" aria-label="Search Site" placeholder="Search Site">
</form>https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/search/
<form action="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/search/">
<input type="hidden" name="cx" value="partner-pub-0920899300397823:3529943228">
<input type="hidden" name="cof" value="FORID:10">
<input type="hidden" name="ie" value="UTF-8">
<input type="search" name="q" aria-label="Search Site" placeholder="Search Site">
</form>POST //bleepingcomputer.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=3e2b3b692f780cdff40d45346&id=30c98e654e
<form action="//bleepingcomputer.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=3e2b3b692f780cdff40d45346&id=30c98e654e" method="post" target="_blank" novalidate="">
<input type="email" name="EMAIL" aria-label="Enter email address" placeholder="Email Address...">
<div style="position: absolute; left: -5000px;"><input type="hidden" aria-hidden="true" name="b_3e2b3b692f780cdff40d45346_30c98e654e" tabindex="-1" value=""></div>
<input type="submit" value="Submit" class="bc_sub_btn">
</form>POST //bleepingcomputer.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=3e2b3b692f780cdff40d45346&id=30c98e654e
<form action="//bleepingcomputer.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=3e2b3b692f780cdff40d45346&id=30c98e654e" method="post" target="_blank" novalidate="">
<input type="email" aria-label="Enter email address" name="EMAIL" placeholder="Email Address...">
<div style="position: absolute; left: -5000px;"><input type="hidden" aria-hidden="true" name="b_3e2b3b692f780cdff40d45346_30c98e654e" tabindex="-1" value=""></div>
<input type="submit" value="Submit" class="bc_sub_btn">
</form>POST https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=global§ion=login&do=process&return=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/android-malware-escobar-steals-your-google-authenticator-mfa-codes/
<form action="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=global&section=login&do=process&return=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/android-malware-escobar-steals-your-google-authenticator-mfa-codes/"
method="post">
<div class="bc_form_feild">
<label for="ips_username">Username</label>
<input aria-label="Enter login name" title="Enter login name" type="text" id="ips_username" name="ips_username" autocomplete="username">
</div>
<div class="bc_form_feild">
<label for="ips_password">Password</label>
<input aria-label="Enter login password" title="Enter login passwod" type="password" id="ips_password" name="ips_password" autocomplete="current-password">
</div>
<div class="bc_form_feild">
<div class="bc_remember">
<input id="remember" type="checkbox" name="rememberMe" value="1" checked="checked">
<label for="remember">Remember Me</label>
</div>
<div class="bc_anon">
<input id="anonymous" type="checkbox" name="anonymous" value="1">
<label for="anonymous">Sign in anonymously</label>
</div>
</div>
<div class="bc_btn_wrap">
<input type="hidden" name="auth_key" value="880ea6a14ea49e853634fbdc5015a024">
<input type="submit" aria-label="Login to site" title="Login" value="Login" class="bc_sub_btn">
<a aria-label="Sign in with Twitter" href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=global&section=login&serviceClick=twitter&return=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/android-malware-escobar-steals-your-google-authenticator-mfa-codes/" class="bc_twitter_btn"><img src="https://www.bleepstatic.com/images/site/login/twitter.png" width="28" height="24" alt="Sign in with Twitter button"> Sign in with Twitter</a>
<hr>
<p>Not a member yet? <a aria-label="Register account" title="Register account" href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=global&section=register">Register Now</a></p>
</div>
</form><form>
<input type="hidden" id="comment-id-report" value="0">
<ul>
<li>
<label><input type="radio" name="comment-report-reason" value="Spam">Spam</label>
</li>
<li>
<label><input type="radio" name="comment-report-reason" value="Abusive or Harmful">Abusive or Harmful</label>
</li>
<li>
<label><input type="radio" name="comment-report-reason" value="Inappropriate content">Inappropriate content</label>
</li>
<li>
<label><input type="radio" name="comment-report-reason" value="Strong language">Strong language</label>
</li>
<li>
<label><input type="radio" name="comment-report-reason" value="Other">Other</label>
</li>
<li id="comment-report-other-reason-wrap" style="display:none;">
<textarea aria-label="Enter other reason for reporting the comment" rows="2" cols="2" id="comment-report-other-reason"></textarea>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Read our <a href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/posting-guidelines/">posting guidelinese</a> to learn what content is prohibited.</p>
</form>Text Content
WE VALUE YOUR PRIVACY
We and our partners store and/or access information on a device, such as cookies
and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information
sent by a device for personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement,
and audience insights, as well as to develop and improve products.
With your permission we and our partners may use precise geolocation data and
identification through device scanning. You may click to consent to our and our
partners’ processing as described above. Alternatively you may access more
detailed information and change your preferences before consenting or to refuse
consenting. Please note that some processing of your personal data may not
require your consent, but you have a right to object to such processing. Your
preferences will apply to this website only. You can change your preferences at
any time by returning to this site or visit our privacy policy.
MORE OPTIONSAGREE
*
*
*
*
*
*
* News
* Featured
* Latest
* Ubisoft confirms 'cyber security incident', resets staff passwords
* Kali Linux adds VM-like snapshot feature to bare-metal installs
* Bridgestone Americas confirms ransomware attack, LockBit leaks data
* VPN provider bans BitTorrent after getting sued by film studios
* Fake Valorant cheats on YouTube infect you with RedLine stealer
* Get the most from Microsoft Office 365 on Mac with this bundle
* VPN provider bans BitTorrent after getting sued by film studios
* Android malware Escobar steals your Google Authenticator MFA codes
* Downloads
* Latest
* Most Downloaded
* Qualys BrowserCheck
* STOPDecrypter
* AuroraDecrypter
* FilesLockerDecrypter
* AdwCleaner
* ComboFix
* RKill
* Junkware Removal Tool
* Virus Removal Guides
* Latest
* Most Viewed
* Ransomware
* How to remove the PBlock+ adware browser extension
* Remove the Toksearches.xyz Search Redirect
* Remove the Smashapps.net Search Redirect
* Remove the Smashappsearch.com Search Redirect
* Remove Security Tool and SecurityTool (Uninstall Guide)
* How to remove Antivirus 2009 (Uninstall Instructions)
* How to Remove WinFixer / Virtumonde / Msevents / Trojan.vundo
* How to remove Google Redirects or the TDSS, TDL3, or Alureon rootkit using
TDSSKiller
* Locky Ransomware Information, Help Guide, and FAQ
* CryptoLocker Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ
* CryptorBit and HowDecrypt Information Guide and FAQ
* CryptoDefense and How_Decrypt Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ
* Tutorials
* Latest
* Popular
* How to make the Start menu full screen in Windows 10
* How to install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime
* How to open an elevated PowerShell Admin prompt in Windows 10
* How to Translate a Web Page in Google Chrome
* How to start Windows in Safe Mode
* How to remove a Trojan, Virus, Worm, or other Malware
* How to show hidden files in Windows 7
* How to see hidden files in Windows
* Deals
* Categories
* eLearning
* IT Certification Courses
* Gear + Gadgets
* Security
* Forums
* More
* Startup Database
* Uninstall Database
* File Database
* Glossary
* Chat on Discord
* Send us a Tip!
* Welcome Guide
* Home
* News
* Security
* Android malware Escobar steals your Google Authenticator MFA codes
* AddThis Sharing Buttons
Share to FacebookFacebookShare to TwitterTwitterShare to
LinkedInLinkedInShare to RedditReddit15Share to Hacker NewsHacker NewsShare
to EmailEmail
*
ANDROID MALWARE ESCOBAR STEALS YOUR GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR MFA CODES
By
BILL TOULAS
* March 12, 2022
* 10:12 AM
* 0
The Aberebot Android banking trojan has returned under the name 'Escobar' with
new features, including stealing Google Authenticator multi-factor
authentication codes.
The new features in the latest Aberebot version also include taking control of
the infected Android devices using VNC, recording audio, and taking photos,
while also expanding the set of targeted apps for credential theft.
The main goal of the trojan is to steal enough information to allow the threat
actors to take over victims' bank accounts, siphon available balances, and
perform unauthorized transactions.
PLAY Top Articles Video Settings Full Screen About Connatix V154483 Read More
Read More Read More Read More Read More Fake Valorant cheats on YouTube infect
youwith RedLine stealer 1/1 Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad Visit
Advertiser websiteGO TO PAGE
REBRANDED AS ESCOBAR
Using KELA's cyber-intelligence DARKBEAST platform, BleepingComputer found a
forum post on a Russian-speaking hacking forum from February 2022 where the
Aberebot developer promotes their new version under the name 'Escobar Bot
Android Banking Trojan.'
Seller's post on a darknet forum (KELA)
The malware author is renting the beta version of the malware for $3,000 per
month to a maximum of five customers, with threat actors having the ability to
test the bot for free for three days.
The threat actor plans on raising the malware's price to $5,000 after
development is finished.
MalwareHunterTeam first spotted the suspicious APK on March 3, 2022, masqueraded
as a McAfee app, and warned about its stealthiness against the vast majority of
anti-virus engines.
This was picked up by researchers at Cyble, who performed an analysis of the new
'Escobar' variant of the Aberebot trojan.
According to the same analysts, Aberebot first appeared in the wild in the
summer of 2021, so the appearance of a new version indicates active development.
OLD AND NEW CAPABILITIES
Like most banking trojans, Escobar displays overlay login forms to hijack user
interactions with e-banking apps and websites and steal credentials from
victims.
The malware also packs several other features that make it potent against any
Android version, even if the overlay injections are blocked in some manner.
The authors have expanded the set of targeted banks and financial institutions
to a whopping 190 entities from 18 countries in the latest version.
The malware requests 25 permissions, of which 15 are abused for malicious
purposes. Examples include accessibility, audio record, read SMS, read/ write
storage, get account list, disabling the keylock, making calls, and accessing
precise device location.
Everything that the malware collects is uploaded to the C2 server, including SMS
call logs, key logs, notifications, and Google Authenticator codes.
Code to snatch Google Authenticator codes (Cyble)
The above is enough to help the crooks overcome two-factor authentication
obstacles when assuming control of e-banking accounts.
2FA codes arrive via SMS or are stored and rotated in HMAC software-based tools
like Google's Authenticator. The latter is considered safer due to not being
susceptible to SIM swap attacks, but it's still not protected from malware
infiltrating the userspace.
Moreover, the addition of VNC Viewer, a cross-platform screen sharing utility
with remote control features, gives the threat actors a new powerful weapon to
do whatever they want when the device is unattended.
VNC Viewer code in Aberebot (Cyble)
Apart from the above, Aberebot can also record audio clips or take screenshots
and exfiltrate both to the actor-controlled C2, with the complete list of
supported commands listed below.
Table of commands accepted by Aberebot (Cyble)
SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED?
It is still early to tell how popular the new Escobar malware will become in the
cybercrime community, especially at a relatively high price. Nevertheless, it's
now powerful enough to entice a wider audience.
Also, its operational model, which involves random actors that can rent it,
means its distribution channels and methods may vary greatly.
In general, you can minimize the chances of being infected with Android trojans
by avoiding the installation of APKs outside of Google Play, using a mobile
security tool, and ensuring that Google Play Protect is enabled on your device.
Additionally, when installing a new app from any source, pay attention to
unusual requests for permissions and monitor the app's battery and network
consumption stats for the first few days to identify any suspicious patterns.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Devious phishing method bypasses MFA using remote access software
SharkBot malware hides as Android antivirus in Google Play
TeaBot malware slips back into Google Play Store to target US users
New Xenomorph Android malware targets customers of 56 banks
Medusa malware ramps up Android SMS phishing attacks
* Aberebot
* Banking Trojan
* Google Authenticator
* MFA
* Multi-Factor Authentication
* Trojan
* VNC
* Facebook
* Twitter
* LinkedIn
* Email
*
BILL TOULAS
Bill Toulas is a technology writer and infosec news reporter with over a decade
of experience working on various online publications. An open source advocate
and Linux enthusiast, is currently finding pleasure in following hacks, malware
campaigns, and data breach incidents, as well as by exploring the intricate ways
through which tech is swiftly transforming our lives.
* Previous Article
* Next Article
POST A COMMENT COMMUNITY RULES
YOU NEED TO LOGIN IN ORDER TO POST A COMMENT
Not a member yet? Register Now
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Popular Stories
* VPN provider bans BitTorrent after getting sued by film studios
* Ubisoft confirms 'cyber security incident', resets staff passwords
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
To receive periodic updates and news from BleepingComputer, please use the form
below.
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
* Follow us:
*
*
*
*
MAIN SECTIONS
* News
* Downloads
* Virus Removal Guides
* Tutorials
* Startup Database
* Uninstall Database
* File Database
* Glossary
COMMUNITY
* Forums
* Forum Rules
* Chat
USEFUL RESOURCES
* Welcome Guide
* Sitemap
COMPANY
* About BleepingComputer
* Contact Us
* Send us a Tip!
* Advertising
* Write for BleepingComputer
* Social & Feeds
* Changelog
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Ethics Statement
Copyright @ 2003 - 2022 Bleeping Computer® LLC - All Rights Reserved
LOGIN
Username
Password
Remember Me
Sign in anonymously
Sign in with Twitter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not a member yet? Register Now
REPORTER
HELP US UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS COMMENT?
* Spam
* Abusive or Harmful
* Inappropriate content
* Strong language
* Other
*
Read our posting guidelinese to learn what content is prohibited.
Submitting...
SUBMIT