How to remove PixBankBot malware from Android devices
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is PixBankBot?
PixBankBot is an Android banking Trojan that exploits the Pix instant payment platform. This Trojan specifically targets Brazilian banks and employs an ATS (Automated Transfer System) framework for its operations. It should be removed from infected devices as soon as possible to avoid potential harm.
PixBankBot malware overview
Like other Banking Trojans utilizing an ATS framework, PixBankBot utilizes the Accessibility Service to detect and monitor User Interface (UI) components within specific banking applications. By leveraging the Accessibility service, PixBankBot gains the capability to carry out fraudulent transactions on the victim's device through the implementation of ATS functionality.
In addition, the Accessibility service is utilized by PixBankBot to carry out keylogging operations, recording the user's interactions with UI elements and capturing sensitive information, including account balances, details of money transfers, and the targeted bank.
The operational mechanism of PixBankBot
When the victim interacts with applications such as Banco Itaú, C6 Bank, Mercado Pago, Nubank, PicPay, or PagBank Banco, (and potentially other targeted apps), PixBankBot activates keylogging and initiates the execution of the ATS. Please note that the list of targeted apps may be expanded.
After identifying the targeted bank application, PixBankBot initiates another activity where it generates a counterfeit window within a legitimate application. This deceptive window is designed to hide the malicious activities of the malware from unsuspecting users.
While the fake window is displayed, the malware operates in the background, interacting with the genuine banking application to perform automatic fund transfers.
The malware retrieves the victim's Pix key from a Pastebin URL and uses system-generated unique keys to perform fund transfers. The malware scans for specific UI elements related to the Pix key, inserts the obtained key, and retrieves the victim's account balance. It then inserts the transfer amount and completes the transaction by automatically clicking on relevant UI elements.
Additionally, the malware attempts to deceive users into authenticating their fingerprints for biometric confirmation. After the transfer, the malware sends the transaction details to a command-and-control (C&C) server and removes itself from the infected device to evade detection.
| Name | PixBankBot banking Trojan |
| Threat Type | Android malware, Android banking Trojan |
| Detection Names | Avast-Mobile (Android:Evo-gen [Trj]), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Yaats.a), McAfee (Artemis!CC6DE8F780B8), Symantec Mobile Insight (AdLibrary:Generisk), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | The device is running slow, system settings are modified without user's permission, unauthorized transactions |
| Distribution methods | Fake PDF applications, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, scam websites |
| Damage | Stolen personal information, monetary loss, decreased device performance, battery is drained quickly, decreased Internet speed |
| Malware Removal (Android) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your mobile device with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Conclusion
PixBankBot can cause significant damage, including unauthorized fund transfers, data theft, privacy breaches, and device compromise. It poses a significant threat to victims' financial security and privacy, emphasizing the need for strong security measures and cautious user behavior.
Examples of other malware targeting Android users are DogeRAT, AhRat, and Guerilla.
How did PixBankBot infiltrate my device?
The PixBankBot malware disguises itself as a legitimate PDF application, using the app's icon and name to deceive users into installing it. This clever tactic aims to make the malicious application appear genuine and increases the likelihood of victims falling for the scam.
After being installed, the PixBankBot Banking Trojan requests the victim to enable the Accessibility Service, which the malware exploits for keylogging and the ATS framework.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Download applications from reliable sources such as the Google Play Store and other official stores. Avoid sideloading apps from unknown sources. Keep your device's operating system and apps up to date. Be careful when clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources, especially in unexpected emails or text messages.
Read reviews before downloading apps (avoid apps with no reviews). Do not trust advertisements on shady websites. Install a reputable antivirus or security app on your device to scan for and prevent malware infections.
Screenshot of PixBankBot masquerading as a legitimate PDF application:
Quick menu:
- Introduction
- How to delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser?
- How to disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser?
- How to reset the Chrome web browser?
- How to delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser?
- How to disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser?
- How to reset the Firefox web browser?
- How to uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications?
- How to boot the Android device in "Safe Mode"?
- How to check the battery usage of various applications?
- How to check the data usage of various applications?
- How to install the latest software updates?
- How to reset the system to its default state?
- How to disable applications that have administrator privileges?
Delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.
Tap "Clear browsing data", select "ADVANCED" tab, choose the time range and data types you want to delete and tap "Clear data".
Disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "Settings" in the opened dropdown menu.
Scroll down until you see "Site settings" option and tap it. Scroll down until you see "Notifications" option and tap it.
Find the websites that deliver browser notifications, tap on them and click "Clear & reset". This will remove permissions granted for these websites to deliver notifications. However, once you visit the same site again, it may ask for a permission again. You can choose whether to give these permissions or not (if you choose to decline the website will go to "Blocked" section and will no longer ask you for the permission).
Reset the Chrome web browser:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you find "Chrome" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.
Tap "MANAGE STORAGE", then "CLEAR ALL DATA" and confirm the action by taping "OK". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.
Delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser:
Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.
Scroll down until you see "Clear private data" and tap it. Select data types you want to remove and tap "CLEAR DATA".
Disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser:
Visit the website that is delivering browser notifications, tap the icon displayed on the left of URL bar (the icon will not necessarily be a "Lock") and select "Edit Site Settings".
In the opened pop-up opt-in the "Notifications" option and tap "CLEAR".
Reset the Firefox web browser:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you find "Firefox" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.
Tap "CLEAR DATA" and confirm the action by taping "DELETE". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.
Uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see a potentially unwanted and/or malicious application, select it and tap "Uninstall". If, for some reason, you are unable to remove the selected app (e.g., you are prompted with an error message), you should try using the "Safe Mode".
Boot the Android device in "Safe Mode":
The "Safe Mode" in Android operating system temporarily disables all third-party applications from running. Using this mode is a good way to diagnose and solve various issues (e.g., remove malicious applications that prevent users you from doing so when the device is running "normally").
Push the "Power" button and hold it until you see the "Power off" screen. Tap the "Power off" icon and hold it. After a few seconds the "Safe Mode" option will appear and you'll be able run it by restarting the device.
Check the battery usage of various applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Device maintenance" and tap it.
Tap "Battery" and check the usage of each application. Legitimate/genuine applications are designed to use as low energy as possible in order to provide the best user experience and to save power. Therefore, high battery usage may indicate that the application is malicious.
Check the data usage of various applications:
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Connections" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Data usage" and select this option. As with battery, legitimate/genuine applications are designed to minimize data usage as much as possible. This means that huge data usage may indicate presence of malicious application. Note that some malicious applications might be designed to operate when the device is connected to wireless network only. For this reason, you should check both Mobile and Wi-Fi data usage.
If you find an application that uses a lot of data even though you never use it, then we strongly advise you to uninstall it as soon as possible.
Install the latest software updates:
Keeping the software up-to-date is a good practice when it comes to device safety. The device manufacturers are continually releasing various security patches and Android updates in order to fix errors and bugs that can be abused by cyber criminals. An outdated system is way more vulnerable, which is why you should always be sure that your device's software is up-to-date.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Software update" and tap it.
Tap "Download updates manually" and check if there are any updates available. If so, install them immediately. We also recommend to enable the "Download updates automatically" option - it will enable the system to notify you once an update is released and/or install it automatically.
Reset the system to its default state:
Performing a "Factory Reset" is a good way to remove all unwanted applications, restore system's settings to default and clean the device in general. However, you must keep in mind that all data within the device will be deleted, including photos, video/audio files, phone numbers (stored within the device, not the SIM card), SMS messages, and so forth. In other words, the device will be restored to its primal state.
You can also restore the basic system settings and/or simply network settings as well.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "About phone" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Reset" and tap it. Now choose the action you want to perform:
"Reset settings" - restore all system settings to default;
"Reset network settings" - restore all network-related settings to default;
"Factory data reset" - reset the entire system and completely delete all stored data;
Disable applications that have administrator privileges:
If a malicious application gets administrator-level privileges it can seriously damage the system. To keep the device as safe as possible you should always check what apps have such privileges and disable the ones that shouldn't.
Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Lock screen and security" and tap it.
Scroll down until you see "Other security settings", tap it and then tap "Device admin apps".
Identify applications that should not have administrator privileges, tap them and then tap "DEACTIVATE".
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My computer is infected with PixBankBot malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Instead of immediately formatting, it is advisable to utilize reliable antivirus or anti-malware software to scan for and remove the malware. These reputable security tools can often effectively detect and eliminate malware from your device.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
The consequences of malware can vary depending on its type and capabilities, including the risks of identity theft, financial loss, data loss, diminished computer performance, and potential for additional infections.
What is the purpose of PixBankBot Trojan?
The primary purpose of the PixBankBot Trojan is to target banks and carry out fraudulent activities. It leverages the Pix instant payment platform and utilizes an Automated Transfer System (ATS) framework to execute unauthorized fund transfers from the victims' accounts.
How did PixBankBot infiltrate my device?
PixBankBot employs a deceptive strategy by masquerading as a legitimate PDF application, utilizing visual elements such as the app's icon and name to trick users into believing it is a genuine and trustworthy app. This tactic is intended to manipulate users into installing the malware, ultimately compromising their devices and exposing them to malicious activities.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner possesses the capability to identify and remove the majority of known malware infections. However, it is important to note that sophisticated malware often conceals itself deeply within the system. Hence, performing a comprehensive system scan is crucial to ensure detection and removal of any hidden high-level malware.
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