How to remove GhostChat from infected devices

What kind of malware is GhostChat?

GhostChat is an Android malware disguised as a chat platform (a dating app). It is designed to steal information from the infected devices. It seems that the cybercriminals behind GhostChat primarily target users in Pakistan. If detected on the device, GhostChat should be removed as soon as possible to avoid data theft and other issues.

GhostChat in detail

Once launched, GhostChat asks for multiple permissions. After these are given, the app shows a login page that requires users to enter their credentials to continue. However, unlike a real verification process, the login details are embedded directly into the app's code.

After signing in, victims are shown multiple female profiles, each with a photo, name, and age. Every profile is inaccessible, and selecting any of them asks victims to provide an unlock code to continue. Each profile is associated with a specific WhatsApp number. After the correct code is entered, the app automatically opens WhatsApp and starts a chat with the associated number.

While the user is interacting with the malicious app (even before signing in), GhostChat operates in the background, quietly tracking device activity and sending sensitive data to a command-and-control server.

Moreover, GhostChat checks the infected device for new photos and automatically uploads them. The app also runs a task every five minutes to look for new documents, allowing it to keep collecting data. The targeted data also includes the device ID, contact list, and various files stored on the device, such as images and documents (PDFs, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and similar formats).

Related ClickFix attacks

It has been discovered that the GhostChat command-and-control server is also used to deliver other malicious files. One of those files is a DLL file that attackers use to deliver ClickFix, a malicious tool used to trick users into running harmful files themselves by following fake instructions. This technique is used to infect computers.

The aforementioned instructions usually come from misleading websites or fake warnings that look legitimate. In attacks related to GhostChat, threat actors use a fake website that pretends to be Pakistan's Computer Emergency Response Team. The website shows a fake security alert claiming problems with national infrastructure and government networks, and tells users to click an "Update" button.

Clicking it follows ClickFix instructions, which cause the malicious DLL to download and run. The DLL connects to a command server and sends the victim's computer name and username. After that, it repeatedly contacts the server and waits for instructions. Any commands it receives are run on the victim's computer using PowerShell.

Related WhatsApp attacks

The attackers also run a mobile‑focused scam targeting WhatsApp users. The website used in these attacks is designed to trick victims into joining a fake community that pretends to belong to Pakistan's Ministry of Defence. Victims are asked to scan a QR code that links their Android or iPhone to WhatsApp Web or Desktop, giving attackers access to the account.

This method allows attackers to access a victim's WhatsApp chats and contacts, granting them the same access as the account owner and exposing private messages.

Conclusion

GhostChat and related attacks are designed to steal sensitive data and compromise user accounts on both desktop and mobile devices. They use social engineering, hidden spyware, and account hijacking techniques to gain access and maintain control. Users should be cautious of suspicious links, pop-ups, and QR codes to protect their devices and personal information.

More examples of malware targeting Android devices are Phantom, DeVixor, and ResidentBat.

How did GhostChat infiltrate my device?

GhostChat is distributed by disguising it as an Android dating or messaging app. Threat actors use romance scam tactics to lure victims into installing it manually. Victims must download and install the APK from outside the official Google Play Store and allow installation from unknown sources, since the malicious app is never available on the Play Store.

Once installed, GhostChat requests permissions and begins its spying activities in the background.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Regularly update your device and apps, and use a trusted mobile security app. Be cautious about opening links or attachments from unknown senders or unexpected messages. Only install apps from the Google Play Store or official developer websites, and read user reviews to confirm they are safe.

Avoid clicking on suspicious links, ads, or pop-ups on untrustworthy websites, since they may trigger harmful downloads.

GhostChat asks permissions before executing (source: welivesecurity.com):

GhostChat's fake login screen (source: welivesecurity.com):

GhostChat requests code (source: welivesecurity.com):

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 GhostChat malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Formatting your storage device will remove GhostChat, but it will also erase all your data. A safer alternative is to use security software like Combo Cleaner, which can eliminate the malware without deleting your files.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can secretly steal banking details and login credentials, encrypt or lock files, use a device to mine cryptocurrency, install additional malicious software, give attackers remote control, and carry out other harmful activities.

What is the purpose of GhostChat malware?

GhostChat is designed to trick users into interacting with fake profiles while secretly spying on the device and stealing data, including photos, contacts, documents, and other personal data, which it sends to a remote server.

How did GhostChat infiltrate my device?

GhostChat is spread by posing as an Android dating or messaging app and using romance scams to convince victims to install it from outside the Google Play Store. Once installed, it requests permissions and starts spying in the background.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and removing most known malware. However, since advanced threats can deeply embed themselves in the system, running a full system scan is necessary to ensure everything is fully removed.