The text discusses the discovery of two new strains of Android spyware called WyrmSpy and DragonEgg, which have been linked to the notorious China-linked nation-state actor known as APT41. APT41, also known under various other names, has been active since at least 2007 and is known for targeting a wide range of industries for intellectual property theft.
Furthermore, the recent attacks conducted by APT41 have utilized an open-source red teaming tool called Google Command and Control (GC2) to target media and job platforms in Taiwan and Italy. The malware was found to be sophisticated, disguising itself as legitimate apps like default system apps or adult video content, and have the ability to request intrusive permissions and conduct sophisticated data collection and exfiltration from infected devices.
The connection of WyrmSpy and DragonEgg to APT41 was established through the use of a command-and-server (C2) with an IP address associated with the group’s infrastructure. Once installed on devices, both strains of malware have the capability to harvest sensitive data such as photos, locations, SMS messages, and audio recordings.
They have also been observed relying on modules downloaded from a C2 server to facilitate data collection while avoiding detection. WyrmSpy can disable Android’s security feature, Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux), and gain elevated privileges on compromised devices using rooting tools. DragonEgg, on the other hand, fetches an unknown tertiary module posing as a forensics program from the C2 server.
The discovery of WyrmSpy and DragonEgg highlights the growing threat posed by advanced Android malware, with their sophisticated capabilities and data collection abilities making them dangerous tools for cyber espionage.
Moreover, Mandiant disclosed the evolving tactics of Chinese espionage crews, which involve using networking devices and virtualization software, employing botnets to hide C2 traffic, and tunneling malicious traffic within victim networks through compromised systems.
This emphasizes the need for increased vigilance and protection against such cyber threats, given the growing sophistication and purposeful stealth of these operations.
