How to remove SeedSnatcher from infected devices

What kind of malware is SeedSnatcher?

SeedSnatcher is an Android malware disguised as a crypto app named Coin (this app functions as a loader). The malware is often delivered through Telegram channels. It starts with basic permission requests before gaining access to files, contacts, call logs, and other private data. Cybercriminals use it mainly to steal cryptocurrency wallet details and other sensitive data.

SeedSnatcher in detail

Once inside, the malware starts by collecting information about the device, such as system IDs, language settings, screen size, hardware model, Android version, and the public IP address. It also checks which apps can start automatically, how often they are used, and whether they have access to sensitive data, such as storage, contacts, SMS, call logs, and usage statistics.

SeedSnatcher is designed to run on Android versions from 6 to 13, but its stealing features can also function on newer versions. It requests various permissions to access a device and uses those permissions for malicious purposes. If allowed, SeedSnatcher can read, modify, and delete files stored on the device, including documents and photos, allowing attackers to steal sensitive data.

Also, the malware can access contacts, call logs, and SMS messages, including OTPs and 2FA codes, which can be used to compromise banking or crypto accounts. It can also read and modify system settings, allowing it to compromise security or remain undetected on the device.

Furthermore, SeedSnatcher can monitor which apps the victim opens and use this to detect when banking or crypto apps are active. This enables the malware to steal credentials and overlay fake screens over legitimate apps. This involves displaying fake overlays mimicking crypto wallet screens and capturing wallet recovery phrases.

It is known that the malware is capable of displaying fake Binance Chain Wallet, Coinbase wallet, imToken, MetaMask, OKX Wallet, TokenPocket, TronGlobal, TronLink, and Trust Wallet pages to steal information. SeedSnatcher checks every word of the seed phrase the victim types to make sure it is a valid recovery phrase.

This prevents errors and guarantees cybercriminals get a working seed phrase they can use to hijack a crypto wallet. Moreover, SeedSnatcher can access stored account information, including email or social media accounts, and interact with data associated with those accounts.

Additionally, the malware can prompt the device to request the user to uninstall a specific app chosen by cybercriminals, allowing them to remove security or other apps. Other capabilities include secretly sending text messages crafted by cybercriminals and scanning all photos in the device's gallery. It identifies screenshots as important, allowing threat actors to steal them quickly.

Conclusion

SeedSnatcher is a highly intrusive Android malware that collects detailed device data, abuses permissions, and steals sensitive information, especially cryptocurrency wallet recovery phrases. It can cause issues like account hijacking, cryptocurrency and identity theft, and similar problems.

More examples of malware targeting Android devices are Albiriox, Sturnus, and Landfall.

How did SeedSnatcher infiltrate my device?

SeedSnatcher is promoted through Telegram channels and other social platforms, where victims are encouraged to download the APK (a fake app called Coin). Each download link contains a unique ID, allowing attackers to track which campaign or promoter led to an installation.

Other possible infection vectors include fake crypto‑related communities, social media posts, direct messages containing APK links, and deceptive websites or third-party (unofficial) app stores.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Always use official websites or the Google Play Store when downloading apps. Read reviews before installing apps. Make sure your device and apps are always up to date, and use a reliable security app to scan for threats. Avoid opening attachments or clicking links in emails or messages you did not expect or the irrelevant ones.

Do not trust ads, links, and pop‑ups on suspicious websites.

Fake OKX wallet pop-up displayed by the malware (source: cyfirma.com):

Fake import wallet form presented by SeedSnatcher (source: cyfirma):

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".

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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).

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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.

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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".

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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".

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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.

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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".

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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;

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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 device is infected with SeedSnatcher malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Completely wiping your device is usually not needed. Malware like SeedSnatcher can often be eliminated with trusted antivirus or anti-malware programs, such as Combo Cleaner.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can perform a wide range of harmful actions depending on its type. It may steal sensitive information, deliver additional malicious software, encrypt or delete files, slow down or disrupt system performance, and carry out other activities. Also, malware can allow remote control of the device.

What is the purpose of SeedSnatcher?

The purpose of SeedSnatcher is to steal cryptocurrency wallet recovery phrases (and other login-related data) and other sensitive information (e.g., SMS, call logs, IP addresses, and more) from Android devices. Cybercriminals use the malware mostly to commit cryptocurrency theft.

How did SeedSnatcher infiltrate my device?

SeedSnatcher likely entered your device through a fake app download, often shared on Telegram, social media, or other untrusted sources. It spreads as an APK disguised as a crypto‑related app, convincing users to install it manually.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove nearly all known malware. However, advanced malware often hides deep within the system, so it is important to run a full system scan.