How to remove PromptSpy from infected devices

What kind of malware is PromptSpy?

PromptSpy is an Android malware that uses generative AI for persistence. It uses Google Gemini to analyze what appears on the infected device's screen and determine how to remain active in the recent apps list. This helps the malware keep running in the background. Its main goal is to install a VNC client that allows attackers to see the screen and control the device remotely.

PromptSpy in detail

PromptSpy includes a dropper and a payload that misuses Google Gemini. It uses Google Gemini to help it interact with the phone's screen. Instead of using fixed scripts that may fail on different devices, it sends Gemini information about what is currently shown on the screen. Gemini analyzes the screen elements and returns instructions on where to tap or what action to perform. This helps the malware stay active by keeping itself in the recent apps list even if the user tries to close it.

Furthermore, PromptSpy includes a VNC tool that grants attackers full remote control of an infected phone once the victim enables Accessibility Services. This lets attackers see the screen and perform actions like taps, swipes, gestures, and typing.

PromptSpy uses AI to keep its app pinned in the recent apps list. This helps the malware stay running in the background so it is not easily closed. The feature is likely used before cybercriminals start the remote control session. This way, the app stays active, and the system or victim is less likely to stop it.

Additionally, PromptSpy abuses Accessibility Services to prevent users from removing it. When the victim tries to uninstall the app or turn off Accessibility Services, the malware presents invisible boxes over buttons like "Stop", "Clear", or "Uninstall". These hidden layers block the victim's taps, preventing the buttons from being pressed.

After the malware connects to a remote command-and-control server, it can receive instructions, allowing it to collect information such as installed and active apps, take screenshots, record the screen, and gather details from the lock screen. It can also record the pattern unlock screen and detect whether the display is on.

Conclusion

PromptSpy is an example of how cybercriminals started using AI tools like Google Gemini to make malware more capable and harder to stop. By combining AI-assisted screen interaction with remote control capabilities, threat actors can keep the malware active and manage infected devices more easily.

Additional examples of malware targeting Android devices are Oblivion RAT, ZeroDayRAT, and Arsink.

How did PromptSpy infiltrate my device?

Cybercriminals distribute PromptSpy through malicious websites that imitate legitimate banking sites. The pages use banking branding and text to make them appear legitimate. These sites host malicious Android apps that impersonate official banking apps. When a victim installs one, the app acts as a dropper to install the malware.

The victim is asked to allow installation from unknown sources, which Android normally blocks for security. After permission is granted, the dropper contacts a remote server and retrieves a configuration file containing a link to download the PromptSpy payload.

The payload is downloaded as another APK and shown as a fake update. Once installed, it requests Accessibility Services permissions and installs its malicious components, including the remote-control VNC module.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Make sure your operating system and apps are kept up to date, and only download software from official websites or trusted app stores. Avoid clicking on suspicious ads, pop-ups, or links on dubious sites, and refuse notification requests from such sites.

Be careful with unexpected emails or messages - avoid opening links or attachments found in them unless you are sure they are not malicious. Use reputable security software to perform regular scans that can detect and remove potential threats.

PromptSpy asks the victim to enable Accessibility Services (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 PromptSpy malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Taking this step will get rid of PromptSpy, but it will also delete all data, so it should only be used as a last option. It is advisable to first perform a full scan with reliable security software, such as Combo Cleaner.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can access your personal data, let attackers take remote control of your device, damage (e.g., encrypt) or erase files, install more malicious apps, reduce system speed, trigger crashes, and carry out other harmful activities.

What is the purpose of PromptSpy?

The purpose of PromptSpy is to give attackers remote control of an infected Android device while remaining hidden and persistent. It also collects sensitive information from the device and prevents users from easily removing it.

How did PromptSpy infiltrate my device?

PromptSpy spreads through fake banking websites that host malicious Android apps. When a victim installs the app and allows downloads from unknown sources, it downloads the PromptSpy payload as a fake update. The malware then requests Accessibility Services and installs components like the remote-control VNC module.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most known malware. Because advanced threats may hide deeply in the system, it is recommended to run a full scan to ensure all malicious components are identified and removed.