Backdoor:WinCE/PhoneCreeper.A

Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

Backdoor

Platform :

WinCE

Aliases :

Backdoor:WinCE/PhoneCreeper.A

Summary

This program provides unauthorized remote access to a mobile device.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

Backdoor:WinCE/PhoneCreeper is a publicly available monitoring program designed to run on mobile phones using the Windows Mobile 5 to 6.5 operating system.

On installation, the targeted phone may be remotely directed via specific SMS text messages to perform a wide range of actions, all of which are hidden from the phone's user. These actions may or may not result in the user incurring higher phone charges.

A B variant of PhoneCreeper is also available that fixes some issues of the A variant.

Installation

PhoneCreeper can be installed by inserting an SD card containing the program's files into the target phone. On installation, the program does not appear on the installed programs or running programs lists.

This program is designed to silently reinstall itself even if the phone has been hard reset - if the infectious memory card is still present in the device.

Activity

Once installed, the phone can be can remotely controlled by sending it specific SMS text messages. The command messages are silently received; they are then immediately deleted and the command executed.

The commands enabled by the first version of this application are extensive and include:

  • View log of all outgoing calls
  • View log of SMS messages sent
  • View log of last 10 calls
  • Retrieve external IP of phone
  • Receive live SMS notification of SMS and call connections
  • Run a program
  • Get contacts
  • Wipe storage card
  • Change password

PhoneCreeper includes an option to allow the attacker to add their own default password and phone number in order to receive live updates.