Trojan:Android/Spitmo

Classification

Trojan:Android/Spitmo, Trojan:Android/Spitmo.A, Trojan:Android/Spitmo.B, Trojan:SymbOS/Spitmo.A

Summary

Trojan:Android/Spitmo variants steal SMS messages containing bank-generated authentication codes for validating online transactions.

Removal

You can set the F-Secure app to scan your device for viruses and other threats automatically. Once the app has completed its scan of the files on your device, you may assess any detected file or files and opt to 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

Spitmo variants are components of a multi-stage, multi-malware, 'man-in-the-mobile' style attack. The first variant found in early 2011, Trojan:SymbOS/Spitmo.A, was on the Symbian platform; subsequent variants have migrated to the Android platform.

The first stage of the attack is performed by Trojan-Spy:W32/Spyeye, a Windows-based malware that uses phishing tactics during a compromised online banking session to steal a user's mobile phone number and the phone's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.

The stolen information is then passed on and used by Symbian-based Spitmo trojan to gain access to the m obile Transaction Authentication Numbers (mTANs) used by banks to authorize online monetary transfers.

A few months later, Trojan:Android/Spitmo.A was discovered; functionally, it is the Android equivalent of its Symbian counterpart, as it steals information from a compromised device and intercepts SMS messages containing mTANs. The Spitmo.B Android variant additionally posts the stolen mTANs on a remote site.