NativeWorm is a dangerous Android information stealer designed to covertly collect and exfiltrate sensitive user data. This malware primarily targets contacts, SMS messages, and device information, leading to data theft, financial fraud, privacy breaches, and severe device performance issues. Victims of NativeWorm may experience unauthorized modifications to system settings, sluggish performance, high data usage, and intrusive advertisements.
NativeWorm Malware Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | NativeWorm |
| Threat Type | Android malware, Information stealer |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Android.Riskware.SmsSpy.aBJE), ESET-NOD32 (Android/Spy.Agent.DZM), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Spy.AndroidOS.Agent.alr) |
| Symptoms | Slow device performance, increased battery/data usage, unauthorized system changes, appearance of unknown applications, intrusive pop-ups and redirects, suspicious messages sent from the device |
| Distribution Methods | Malicious ads, deceptive/fake applications, scam websites, fraudulent SMS or phishing links |
| Damage | Theft of private messages, login credentials, banking details, identity theft, device slowdown, unauthorized access to accounts |
| Danger Level | High |
How NativeWorm Works
Contacts Exfiltration
NativeWorm first gains access to the Contacts application and extracts phone numbers and names. The stolen data allows attackers to send malware-laced phishing messages to a victim’s contacts, propagating NativeWorm or other malicious payloads.
SMS Interception
The malware is capable of reading SMS messages, which poses several threats:
- 2FA Code Theft: Many online services send one-time passwords (OTPs) for authentication via SMS. NativeWorm steals these messages, allowing attackers to bypass security measures.
- Private Conversations Exposure: Attackers may blackmail victims or use personal data for social engineering scams.
- Financial Fraud: If a message contains banking details or passwords, cybercriminals could use this information for unauthorized transactions.
Device Information Theft
NativeWorm collects device-specific data, including:
- Device model
- OS version
- Installed applications
- Unique device identifiers
This information can be used to track the user, personalize further attacks, or sell data on the dark web.
Symptoms of NativeWorm Infection
If your Android device exhibits the following symptoms, it may be infected with NativeWorm:
Sluggish Performance – The device becomes slow due to background data exfiltration. Battery Drain – The malware continuously runs in the background, consuming battery life. Increased Data Usage – NativeWorm transmits stolen data over the internet, leading to unexpected spikes in data usage. Unauthorized Settings Modifications – Security settings may be altered, disabling security features. Unwanted Applications – New, suspicious apps may appear on your device. Intrusive Advertisements – Pop-ups and redirects may appear even when not using the browser. Strange SMS Activity – Your device may send spam messages to contacts without your knowledge.
How Does NativeWorm Spread?
Malicious Advertisements
Cybercriminals embed malware within fraudulent ads on suspicious websites. Clicking on these ads can initiate an automatic malware download.
Fake/Deceptive Apps
Users who download apps from third-party stores or unknown sources are at risk. Malicious apps may disguise themselves as legitimate tools, tricking users into granting permissions.
Phishing Messages
Attackers send fraudulent SMS or email messages containing infected links. When victims click these links, the malware gets installed.
Scam Websites
Visiting malicious websites that prompt users to download a required “update” or “security patch” can trigger an infection.
How to Remove NativeWorm from Android
To completely remove NativeWorm, follow these steps:
Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode
- Press and hold the Power button.
- Tap and hold Power off until the Safe Mode option appears.
- Select Safe Mode to prevent malware from running in the background.
Step 2: Remove Suspicious Applications
- Open Settings > Apps & notifications.
- Locate unknown or recently installed applications.
- Tap the app and select Uninstall.
Step 3: Revoke Device Administrator Permissions
- Go to Settings > Security > Device administrators.
- If you see unknown apps with admin privileges, disable them.
- Now, return to the Apps section and uninstall them.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files
- Open File Manager and check the Downloads folder for suspicious APK files.
- Delete any unrecognized files.
Step 5: Reset Device (If Needed)
If the malware persists, consider a factory reset:
- Go to Settings > System > Reset options.
- Select Erase all data (factory reset).
- Confirm the reset.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Infections
To prevent another NativeWorm infection, follow these best practices:
Download Apps from Trusted Sources – Only install apps from the Google Play Store. Enable Google Play Protect – Go to Play Store > Play Protect > Enable scanning. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links – Do not open unknown messages, emails, or ads. Use a Strong Security App – Regularly scan your device with SpyHunter or another reputable anti-malware tool. Review App Permissions – Deny unnecessary permissions to apps requesting access to contacts, messages, or system settings. Update Android Regularly – Keep your OS and apps up-to-date to patch security vulnerabilities. Backup Your Data – Store important files on cloud storage or an external drive.
Conclusion
NativeWorm is a dangerous Android malware that can steal sensitive data, access private messages, and compromise personal security. By following this removal guide, victims can eliminate the malware and restore device security.
For real-time protection against malware, it’s recommended to use SpyHunter to detect and remove threats before they cause severe damage.
