In late December 2024, a new wave of cyberattacks targeted mobile users in Uzbekistan, exploiting the reputation of Uzum Bank to distribute a fake app containing SpyMax, a remote access trojan (RAT). Uzum Bank, a prominent digital bank in the country, has been central to Uzbekistan’s financial ecosystem, offering banking and e-commerce services. The attackers used the trusted brand name to deceive users into downloading a fraudulent app, UzumBank.apk, which they received via malicious SMS messages. This approach, leveraging a legitimate company’s name, is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to increase the likelihood of successful infections.
Once the fake app was installed on victims’ devices, SpyMax allowed attackers to gain remote control of the infected phones. The malware provided attackers with access to a wide range of sensitive information, including SMS messages, call logs, and personal files. Additionally, it granted them the ability to capture audio and video via the device’s microphone and camera, further compromising the privacy of the victims. The trojan’s capabilities extended to GPS tracking, allowing attackers to monitor the location of infected users in real time.
This targeted campaign marks a significant escalation in cybercrime tactics, with SpyMax operating as a highly sophisticated RAT. While the exact infection vector remains unclear, the use of fraudulent SMS messages to deliver the malicious app is consistent with other global phishing and malware distribution methods. The cybercriminals behind this attack were able to exploit the trust users place in well-known services, manipulating that trust to distribute malware widely.
As the attack highlights the vulnerabilities in mobile security, particularly through social engineering tactics, users are urged to be cautious when receiving unsolicited links or messages, especially those that prompt the download of apps. Uzum Bank, although not directly responsible for the malware, has been affected by the abuse of its brand and reputation. Security experts recommend that users only download apps from official sources and keep their devices protected with updated security software to prevent similar attacks in the future.
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