UBEL is the Android Malware Successor to Oscorp

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As part of a fresh campaign that began in May 2021, an Android malware that was discovered misusing accessibility features in the device to steal user credentials from European banking applications has morphed into an altogether new botnet. Oscorp, a mobile malware built to attack several financial targets with the purpose of stealing funds from unsuspecting users, was revealed by Italy’s CERT-AGID in late January. 

The Oscorp malware, like other Android malware, convinces users to provide them access to the Android Accessibility Service, which allows them to read text on the phone screen, determine an app installation prompt, traverse through the permission list, and install apps on the user’s behalf. “Not being able to access the private files of other applications, the actions of these malicious apps are “limited” to the theft of credentials through phishing pages, to blocking the device and possibly to the capture of audio and video,” read the advisory published by Italy’s CERT-AGID. 

Malicious SMS messages were used to spread the malware, with attackers pretending as bank operators to deceive targets over the phone and secretly get access to the infected device using WebRTC protocol, allowing them to execute unlawful bank transfers. While no fresh activities have been detected since then, it appears as Oscorp has returned after a brief hiatus in the shape of the UBEL Android botnet.