Fake CODE4HK Mobile Application Attack

Last Update Date: 3 Oct 2014 Release Date: 18 Sep 2014 5114 Views

RISK: Medium Risk

TYPE: Attacks - Malware

A fake mobile application named CODE4HK claiming to coordinating the Occupy Central pro-democracy movement has circulated online since 16 Sep 2014.

Malicious behaviours were identified in a fake CODE4HK mobile application, which can cause information disclosure.

[UPDATE 2014-10-03]

A security company discovered an iOS spyware called Xsser, which was related to fake CODE4HK attack campaign. The researcher mentioned that he had not uncovered information regarding the method or vector of attack. The spyware needs to install on a jailbroken iOS device with Cydia app.

Impact

Information Disclosure

System / Technologies affected

Android 4.x and prior
[UPDATE 2014-10-03] Jailbroken iOS with Cydia app installed

Solutions

Removal for Android

Go to Settings > Apps on the device
Find "code4hk" in the Downloaded list
Click on "code4hk" to the App info
Click "Uninstall"

Prevention for Android

Do NOT install application file (*.apk) from unknown source
Disable "Unknown sources" option in the Settings > Security on the device

[UPDATE 2014-10-03] Removal for iOS

Reset and Erase iOS device

[UPDATE 2014-10-03] Prevention for iOS

Do NOT jailbreak iOS device
Do NOT install application from unknown source

Vulnerability Identifier

No CVE information is available

Source

https://github.com/matthewrudy/fake-code4hk-app
[UPDATE 2014-10-03] Lacoon