More than 40 Android phone models, the majority of which are manufactured by companies in China, are shipping with pre-installed malware injected into the firmware straight from the factory.
Security firm Dr.Web discovered a new Trojan called Android.Triada.231 in the firmware of several Android devices since mid-2017, and after an in-depth investigation, it was revealed that over 40 models were likely affected.
Most of the affected phones are low-end devices.
Dr. Web explains that it contacted the affected companies to report the problem and discovered that in at least one case the culprit was a partnership with a software development company in Shanghai, which required Android manufacturers to pre-install one of its apps in the mobile operating system image.
As for how dangerous the malware could be for Android users who purchase these phones, the security firm stressed that it could steal personal information, such as banking data and personal details.
The security firm warns that the number of Android phones potentially carrying the same malware could be larger, although for now, only the following models have been confirmed to be compromised.
- Leagoo M5
- Leagoo M5 Plus
- Leagoo M5 Edge
- Leagoo M8
- Leagoo M8 Pro
- Leagoo Z5C
- Leagoo T1 Plus
- Leagoo Z3C
- Leagoo Z1C
- Leagoo M9
- ARK Benefit M8
- Zopo Speed 7 Plus
- UHANS A101
- Doogee X5 Max
- Doogee X5 Max Pro
- Doogee Shoot 1
- Doogee Shoot 2
- Tecno W2
- Homtom HT16
- Umi London
- Kiano Elegance 5.1
- iLife Fivo Lite
- Mito A39
- Vertex Impress InTouch 4G
- Vertex Impress Genius
- myPhone Hammer Energy
- Advan S5E NXT
- Advan S4Z
- Advan i5E
- STF AERIAL PLUS
- STF JOY PRO
- Tesla SP6.2
- Cubot Rainbow
- EXTREME 7
- Haier T51
- Cherry Mobile Flare S5
- Cherry Mobile Flare J2S
- Cherry Mobile Flare P1
- NOAH H6
- Pelitt T1 PLUS
- Prestigio Grace M5 LTE
- BQ 5510
Removing malware from a phone is not possible without installing a clean version of the operating system, so the manufacturer is the only one who can help you. If the device is rooted, security apps can help deal with malware.
