No place to hide: data-hungry stalkerware reads messaging apps and can unlock monitored devices

Kaspersky researchers have found a new sample of stalkerware — commercial software that is usually used to secretly monitor users’ partners or colleagues — which has functionality that supersedes all previously found software. Named MonitorMinor, this software enables stalkers to covertly access any data and track activity on devices they are surveying, as well as the most popular messaging services and social networks.

The very essence of stalkerware discourages user privacy, putting many people’s personal information and personal lives at risk. If people’s data is being monitored and controlled, the result is often non-cyber related consequences for the victims involved. However, the creators of MonitorMinor even go through obfuscation of the application, demonstrating that they are well aware of the existence of anti-stalkerware tools and try to counter them.

While primitive stalkerware uses geofencing technology, enabling the operator to track the victim’s location, and in most cases intercept SMS and call data, MonitorMinor goes a few steps further. Recognizing the importance of messengers as a means of data collection, this software aims to get access to data from all the most popular modern communication tools.

While, in a ‘clean’ Android operating system, direct communication between apps is prevented by the sandbox, the situation can be changed if a superuser-type app (SU utility) is installed, which grants root access to the system. Once this SU utility is installed, security mechanisms of the device no longer exist. Using this utility, the creators of MonitorMinor enable full access to data on a variety of popular social media and messaging applications such as Hangouts, Instagram, Skype, Snapchat and others.

Furthermore, using root privileges, the stalkerware is able to access screen unlock patterns, enabling the stalkerware operator to unlock the device when it is nearby or when they next have physical access to the device. This is a unique feature which Kaspersky has previously not identified in any mobile platform threats.

Even without root access, the stalkerware can operate effectively by abusing the Accessibility Service API, which is designed to make devices friendly for users with disabilities. Using this API, the stalkerware is able to intercept any events in the applications and broadcast live audio.

Other features available in this stalkerware gives operators the ability to:

• Control devices using SMS commands

•  View real-time video from device cameras

• Record sound from the device microphones

• View browsing history in Google Chrome

• View usage statistics for certain apps

•  View the contents of a device’s internal storage

•  View contacts lists

• View system logs

“MonitorMinor is superior to other stalkerware in many aspects and implements all kinds of tracking features, some of which are unique, and is almost impossible to detect on the victim’s device. This particular application is incredibly invasive – it completely strips the victim of any privacy in using their devices, and even enables the attacker to retrospectively look into what the victims has been doing before,” comments Victor Chebyshev, Kaspersky research development team lead.

“Existence of such applications underlines the importance of protection from stalkerware and the need for joint effort in the fight for privacy. This is why it is important to highlight this application to our users which, in the hands of the abusers, could become the ultimate instrument for control. We have also preemptively shared information about this software with the Coalition Against Stalkerware partners, to protect as many users as possible, as soon as we can.”

Erica Olsen, Director of the Safety Net Project at the National Network to End Domestic Violence, a member-organization of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, added:

“Our issue with stalkerware apps is not just their marketing, but their core functionality. Rampant stealth access, with no notifications to the user creates an app that is truly designed to illegally stalk or monitor another person. We should not minimize how invasive and abusive these apps can be. Regulations are needed to address the basic design features.”

According to Kaspersky telemetry, India currently has the largest share of installations of this stalkerware (14.71%). Mexico (11.76%) is next, followed by Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the UK (5.88% in each country), as other countries that have seen the most use of this new type of stalkerware.

Read more about MonitorMinor on Securelist.com.

To minimize the risk of falling victim to a stalker, Kaspersky recommends the following advice:

• Block the installation of programs from unknown sources in your smartphone’s settings

•  Never disclose the password or passcode to your mobile device, even if it is with someone you trust

• Change all security settings on your mobile device if you are leaving a relationship, such as passwords and applications location access settings. An ex may try to acquire your personal information in order to manipulate you

•  Check the list of applications on your devices to find out if suspicious programs were installed without your consent

• Use a reliable security solution that notifies you about the presence of commercial spyware programs aimed at invading your privacy on your phone, such as Kaspersky Internet Security

•  If you think you are a victim of stalking and need help, contact a relevant organization for professional advice

• There are resources that can assist victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual violence. If you have questions about stalkerware and would like assistance, please contact the Coalition against Stalkerware, formed by not-for-profit groups and IT security organizations: www.stopstalkerware.org