How to remove SURXRAT from infected devices

What kind of malware is SURXRAT?

SURXRAT is a remote access Trojan (RAT) that is sold as a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) via a Telegram-based platform. Analysis of its source code and features suggests that SURXRAT likely originated from Arsink RAT. The malware targets Android devices, can steal sensitive information, and can block access to the infected device.

SURXRAT overview

SURXRAT is sold in two one-time payment plans: "Reseller Plan" and "Partner Plan". The first plan allows up to 3 malware builds per day and resale under the operator's pricing. The second plan allows up to 10 builds per day and lets buyers create their own reseller network. Both plans include free server upgrades.

When SURXRAT is executed, it asks for several permissions, such as access to location, contacts, SMS messages, and device storage. After these are granted, it prompts the user to enable Android's Accessibility Services, which lets apps read the screen and perform actions automatically.

Then, the malware gathers device information, including contact lists, SMS messages, call logs, device brand and model, Android version, battery status, SIM card details, network data, and the public IP address. SURXRAT runs continuously in the background, staying connected to its command-and-control server.

It also activates modules that manage surveillance, device control, and data collection.

Data Harvesting and Remote Control Capabilities

SURXRAT can steal various sensitive information from an infected device. It can read SMS messages, access the contact list and call logs, and gather system details along with installed applications. The malware can also extract Gmail account data, track the device's location, and collect network and connectivity information.

Furthermore, SURXRAT can intercept notifications, monitor the clipboard, and record web browsing history. Additionally, it can gather cellular tower data, scan WiFi networks and track connection history, and has full access to the device's files through a file manager.

SURXRAT also allows attackers to control an infected device. It can remotely unlock the device, trigger phone calls, and change the wallpaper. The malware can also play audio, create network lag, send push notifications, and force the device to open specific websites. Moreover, it can turn on the flashlight, control vibration, and display text over the screen.

Additionally, it can lock the device with a PIN chosen by its operators and completely wipe the device's storage. The latest SURXRAT version includes a feature that slows down a victim's internet connection. It does this by starting a download of a very large file from Hugging Face.

This download is triggered when certain gaming apps, such as Free Fire special editions, are open on the device, or when the attacker remotely specifies other target apps through their server.

Screen-locking Capability

SURXRAT includes a ransomware-style feature that can lock a victim’s device with a full-screen message and a PIN. The attacker can demand ransom, monitor incorrect PIN attempts in real time, and remove the lock remotely. Usually, features like this are used to extort money from victims.

Conclusion

SURXRAT is Android malware that can be used for data theft, remote control, and ransomware activities. It is a significant threat to device security and privacy. Victims can face financial loss, identity theft, account takeover, privacy breaches, device disruption, and potential exposure to further cyberattacks.

More examples of Android malware are ZeroDayRAT, GhostChat, and Phantom.

How did SURXRAT infiltrate my device?

Android malware is often spread through malicious apps downloaded from unofficial app stores or websites. Attackers may also disguise malware as legitimate apps, game mods, cracked software, or updates. In other cases, it can be delivered through phishing links sent via SMS, email, social media, or messaging apps.

Additionally, cybercriminals distribute malware by exploiting system vulnerabilities or using malicious advertisements. Typically, infections occur after users perform actions that allow malware to run on devices.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Always download apps from trusted app stores or official websites, and keep your operating system and apps up to date. Use reliable security software to run regular scans and remove any potential threats.

Be careful with unexpected emails and messages, especially those with attachments or links. Do not open files or links unless you are sure they are harmless. When browsing the internet, avoid clicking on questionable ads, pop-ups, and links, and deny notification requests from untrusted websites.

Developer's Telegram channel:

SURXRAT's administration panel (source: cyble.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 SURXRAT malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Wiping your device can remove SURXRAT, but this is extreme and should only be used as a last resort. It is better to first run a full system scan with a tool such as Combo Cleaner and see if the malware gets removed.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can allow attackers to control a device remotely, steal personal data, infect a device with more malware, damage or erase files, slow down device performance, and create various other problems.

What is the purpose of SURXRAT?

The purpose of SURXRAT is to give attackers control over infected Android devices. It is designed to steal sensitive information, manipulate device functions remotely, and disrupt normal usage. Additionally, it can be used to extort victims through ransomware-style locking.

How did malware infiltrate my device?

Android malware usually spreads through malicious or disguised apps, unofficial app stores or websites, phishing links (sent via email, social media, SMS, etc.), or malicious ads. It can be distributed using system vulnerabilities.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most known malware. Because some sophisticated threats can hide deep within the system, it's recommended to perform a full system scan to ensure complete detection.