[Q] iRoot(Vroot) detected as an Android.Spy Virus? - General Questions and Answers

Hello everyone! I am not new here,I have an old account "JBmorris", however i dont use it anymore.
Anyway, does anyone know iRoot(formerly Vroot)? If so. I'm going to need your help.
I am a person who almost often scans files before running them. So yesterday, I was download iRoot, and I scanned it, and it was detected as A virus called "Android:Agent-GYN [PUP]" (avast) and "Android/Spy.Agent.Y.Gen" (Avira).
It was scanned on virustotal.
I am afraid of hackers spying me.. can you clarify me? thanks.

JBmorris289 said:
Hello everyone! I am not new here,I have an old account "JBmorris", however i dont use it anymore.
Anyway, does anyone know iRoot(formerly Vroot)? If so. I'm going to need your help.
I am a person who almost often scans files before running them. So yesterday, I was download iRoot, and I scanned it, and it was detected as A virus called "Android:Agent-GYN [PUP]" (avast) and "Android/Spy.Agent.Y.Gen" (Avira).
It was scanned on virustotal.
I am afraid of hackers spying me.. can you clarify me? thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as i know its safe to use iROOT (formerly VRoot) I used it before my my computer is free of viruses. Many root "exploits" are detected as viruses or PUP. Just disconnet your internet, disable AV for rooting, delete iROOT once done OR add iROOT to your AV's exceptions. BUT you should change the contained superuser app for SuperSU once rooted.

But what about the Android Spy Agent detections?

JBmorris289 said:
But what about the Android Spy Agent detections?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, once the phone is rooted install SuperSU. SuperSU will prompt you to uninstall the crappy chinese superuser app and you're done

LS.xD said:
As I said, once the phone is rooted install SuperSU. SuperSU will prompt you to uninstall the crappy chinese superuser app and you're done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah...okay. Thanks!

I used iRoot/VRoot but my phone got infected with something. After using the root application (which does work) it installed several more apps and I'm getting popups in my browsers and whatsapp. So far I haven't been able to remove it.

Any luck removing this? I tried using iRoot on my Galaxy S5 G900W8 and root failed, but I got a bunch of apps installed. The dam thing is in chinese and I can't read anything..... grr! This thing is sketchy... I'd say IF you're going to try it, do it NOT connected to internet (disable data/wifi) MAYBE then you wont get all these ****ty apps.....
but for me it has not worked thus far...

Happened to me yesterday. It was so painful! This junk installed 2 stubborn trojans in system/priv-app. Impossible to remove even with factory reset. It gains admin privileges, starts downloading crap from the net, fills the display with porn pics etc. Kingroot saved the day in the end! Managed to root my phone and clean the mess. It was a whole day battle.
BTW, credit to Stubborn Trojan Killer as well! It showed me the location, but wasn't able to clean because the phone wasn't really rooted.
Also, Total Commander was the only file manager capable of opening that dir without root.
P.S. First trojan was named "shell" and had version 1.0. The original shell app is higher version. That's how you know which is the good and which is the bad one. The other trojan was names something like xy_1_some digits. You should stop that "shell" crap immediately and disable it. It will be hard, but possible to do. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to do anything.

Related

[Q] Gfirewall and Gsearch bloatware/virus problem.. HELP!

Hello guys, i have a problem as reported above with 2 bloatware apps on my android phone: Gfirewall and Gsearch.
My phone model is UBTEL U8 (MTK model, china phone) and i'm running Android 4.2.2 ROOTED. I have no custom rom/firmware installed.
These 2 apps appeared magically about 2/3 months ago, and i thought they were safe beacuse of Google logo and name. Nothing happened in these months except for some phone crashes and restarts, but 2 days ago a banner ad appeared in my home screen at phone restart and/or phone unlock. I use AdAway (similar to AdBlock) to disable ALL TYPES of banner, ads and related on my phone, browser and apps. When i went to AdAway i noticed that was disabled: i enabled it again and restarted the phone.. but banner ads still showing.. so i went again in AdAway and it was disabled.. again!
I have a similar problem with 3G/H connection with Vodafone. Everytime i disable internet connection, it gets activated again in 1 minute max.. so i can't disable internet.. never!
I removed these 2 bloatware apps today and fortunatly they didn't show up again or get reinstalled.. ads and AdAway blocks are disappeared. I started a lot of antivirus controls with Avira and nothing showed up.. so i thought i was fine, BUT the internet problem persists.. i can't disable internet everytime i want. Someone of you could help me to solve this problem? I hope there is an alternative method to solve this without format/reset the phone!
I have the same problem with Gfirewall and Gsearch in my STAR N9800
Same full screen banner ad in my home screen.
In my phone there is Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security Services as antivirus, but nothing was found after a full scan.
If I find something new, I'll write here
user064 said:
I have the same problem with Gfirewall and Gsearch in my STAR N9800
Same full screen banner ad in my home screen.
In my phone there is Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security Services as antivirus, but nothing was found after a full scan.
If I find something new, I'll write here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello! I solved with hard reset.. if you want to try i suggest you to use titanium backup for your safe apps, so you'll not lose anything
MatthewTaylor92 said:
Hello! I solved with hard reset.. if you want to try i suggest you to use titanium backup for your safe apps, so you'll not lose anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am facing the same issues, I do not think a hard reset will solve the problem, these two apps are embedded in the firmware, they lie dormant for a while then kick in, after a while, about 3months after purchase.
I have tried uninstalling & they just re-install, if you phone is rooted, you can hybernate them with ''App Quarantine''
I am struggling to deal with them, as my phone is not currently rooted.
FYI: CM security now shows Gsearch as a virus.
Any solutions please??
Cheers Martin
martinzx13 said:
I am facing the same issues, I do not think a hard reset will solve the problem, these two apps are embedded in the firmware, they lie dormant for a while then kick in, after a while, about 3months after purchase.
I have tried uninstalling & they just re-install, if you phone is rooted, you can hybernate them with ''App Quarantine''
I am struggling to deal with them, as my phone is not currently rooted.
FYI: CM security now shows Gsearch as a virus.
Any solutions please??
Cheers Martin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
remove them after rooting your phone!!! seems soo unimaginable that they are embedded in your rom :/
pushkardua said:
remove them after rooting your phone!!! seems soo unimaginable that they are embedded in your rom :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you are very likely to be correct, I was kinda hoping, for a solution without rooting? Any ideas? Anyone?
Cheers Martin :angel::angel:
Same problem , rooted phone and uninstalled gsearch and gfirewall but in one or two days they auto-reinstall
Play Store
There is a app in the rom called Play Store (Not Google Play Store!) and Opera Service
Remove those apps from the rom to prevent advertisements at screen unlocking.
To remove Play Store and Opera service your phone needs to be rooted (use Titanium backup fi). You can check this by using a firewall like droidwall.
If you can't root your device:
Use a firewall like mobiwol if your device is not rooted (is creates an internal vpn where it can filter your traffic).
Suspicious files found running at background
I have the same problem with the two files reinstalling by itself after I delete them. I have a Chinese made smartphone Tronsmart PS7 running Android 4.2.2 rooted. After digging deeper into the files running at the background, I noticed there are files that have complete access to all the privilege rights in my phone other than android system, they are android.cube, AdupsFotaReboot, RebootAndWriteSys and Common Data Service. I have tried to force these files to stop and it seems the problem is solved, Anyone has any ideas what these 4 files are for?
I don't think to do any hard reset, if these are hard coded in ROM, this is not a stable solution
IMHO there are only two exit ways:
1) do a virus submission request
I've done this request 1 minute ago.
2) flash the device with another ROM (4.2.2 is getting older, anyway...)
You can see the manifests of Gsearch and Gfirewall, are identical:
Not so good news...
Hi all,
in my case, I found a solution. Once MTKDroidTools used to get root on the phone (root only, nothing else), I pressed the button "Delete China" and the application has removed the files from the "files_for_delete.txt" list. After this, the problems are over !!!
Another way to do this with the phone already rooted, you do it manually, and you can follow the steps of:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44455669
or
http://electricheatingcosts.com/removing-chinese-smartphone-spyware/
Best regards.
No more Gsearch and Gfirewall
I had the same problem with my Chinese new teca n9900 and I found the same apps on my phone that you mentioned. I force stopped android.cube, AdupsFotaReboot, Common Data Service, and RebootandWriteSys in app manager in the setting and now Gfirewall and Gsearch stopped automatically installing. I can't seem to enable them back to restart even after I reboot the phone except for "android.cube" that app will restart after I reboot the phone which may be the app causing them to reinstall. I'm not sure what exactly these apps do but my phone seems to work perfectly without them running. Thank you.
Pete636 said:
I had the same problem with my Chinese new teca n9900 and I found the same apps on my phone that you mentioned. I force stopped android.cube, AdupsFotaReboot, Common Data Service, and RebootandWriteSys in app manager in the setting and now Gfirewall and Gsearch stopped automatically installing. I can't seem to enable them back to restart even after I reboot the phone except for "android.cube" that app will restart after I reboot the phone which may be the app causing them to reinstall. I'm not sure what exactly these apps do but my phone seems to work perfectly without them running. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems like now i don't have Gfirewall anymore but Gsearch got reinstalled and i've got an add displayed again so this solution doesn't really work
uninstall gsearch en gfirewall.
I had the same troubles with my phone (elephone P8). First I stopped the software, then I uninstalled it. So far so good.. Did'nt get popupsuntill now..
Succes..
Arthur
Netherlands
MatthewTaylor92 said:
Hello guys, i have a problem as reported above with 2 bloatware apps on my android phone: Gfirewall and Gsearch.
My phone model is UBTEL U8 (MTK model, china phone) and i'm running Android 4.2.2 ROOTED. I have no custom rom/firmware installed.
These 2 apps appeared magically about 2/3 months ago, and i thought they were safe beacuse of Google logo and name. Nothing happened in these months except for some phone crashes and restarts, but 2 days ago a banner ad appeared in my home screen at phone restart and/or phone unlock. I use AdAway (similar to AdBlock) to disable ALL TYPES of banner, ads and related on my phone, browser and apps. When i went to AdAway i noticed that was disabled: i enabled it again and restarted the phone.. but banner ads still showing.. so i went again in AdAway and it was disabled.. again!
I have a similar problem with 3G/H connection with Vodafone. Everytime i disable internet connection, it gets activated again in 1 minute max.. so i can't disable internet.. never!
I removed these 2 bloatware apps today and fortunatly they didn't show up again or get reinstalled.. ads and AdAway blocks are disappeared. I started a lot of antivirus controls with Avira and nothing showed up.. so i thought i was fine, BUT the internet problem persists.. i can't disable internet everytime i want. Someone of you could help me to solve this problem? I hope there is an alternative method to solve this without format/reset the phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UPDATE:
I'm triyng "Disconnect Mobile" to limit the amount of data probably stolen by these two applications, and after the last unistall of Gsearch and Gfirewall, they do not auto-reinstall!
Disconnect Mobile is a privacy app inspired by our award-winning browser software. The app actively blocks the biggest mobile trackers when you use an app or browse the web using 3G, 4G, LTE, or Wi-Fi. Optional packs include ad filtering and malware protection. Does NOT require root.
Features:
- Blocks the biggest mobile trackers from tracking and collecting your info
- Blocks ads from more than 2500 ad tracking services
- Blocks thousands of websites suspected of malware, spyware, phishing scams and more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like all ad-blocker apps, you can't find this on Play Store, you can find it on 1mobile, for example.
(I cannot post links)
Please let me know if this hint works on your phones
Hi all, my rooted phone is Ulefone U9592 and I found this information :
http://androidforums.com/android-applications/864435-gfirewall.html
TEXT : " My phone is rooted, i set every apk need confirm install, and wait the apk download and confirm install, i used root explorer try to search which directory is. In my phone, i found "/data/user/0/com. cube. android" have the gfirewall apk, i delete that directory, also check whose apk create this directory. The apk is Cube_CJIA01.apk in /system/app, i delete this apk. It fixed. (I think you find the name may not same Cube_CJIA01.apk)"
Well, I revised this information and the folder are : "/data/user/0/com. cube.activity" or "/data/data/com. cube.activity" and in the folder "files" I found :
"_com.gsz.own.pack.apk" and "_com.zgs.gg.pack.apk" (GSearch and GFirewall), I deleted this APK's and I think the problem is solved ..... NOT REALLY!!
If you check the folder "shared_prefs" you find various XML with the information shared at ALISOFT (Chinesse company) and specifically "ApkLoader.xml" with the URL where are downloaded GSearch and GFirewall. Only you need to delete in the XML the parts what you not are interested .... well, if you reboot the phone, the infected XML are restored. The best option is delete the file Cube_CJIA01.apk (do Backup) and reboot the phone. The mentioned folder disappears and the phone works well. Enjoy !!!
Best regards.
Hi jorfen,
I want to follow your instructions, but I need to root my phone before.
Pelase can you give me some hint (or link) to find the right software?
I don't want to install another chinese spyware (like probably VROOT), to remove GFirewall and GSearch
---------- Post added at 09:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:54 AM ----------
may be I have already found the right answer to my question: Framaroot
Compatibility list:
http://www.tfq.me/rooting-almost-any-android-smartphone-without-computer/
App:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/framaroot/root-framaroot-one-click-apk-to-root-t2130276
jorfen said:
If you check the folder "shared_prefs" you find various XML with the information shared at ALISOFT (Chinesse company) and specifically "ApkLoader.xml" with the URL where are downloaded GSearch and GFirewall. Only you need to delete in the XML the parts what you not are interested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found two files "ApkLoader.xml" and "ApkLoad.xml" with similar info inside, and in both of them I modified the string starting with
<string name="json">blah blah blah...</string> to <string name="json"></string>
jorfen said:
well, if you reboot the phone, the infected XML are restored. The best option is delete the file Cube_CJIA01.apk (do Backup) and reboot the phone. The mentioned folder disappears and the phone works well. Enjoy !!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in my phone I found some files with different names:
_com.gsz.own.pack.apk
_com.zgs.gg.pack.apk
core.apk
gad.apk
uac.apk
uac.dex
jorfen, Cube_CJIA01.apk was in "/data/user/0/com.cube.activity/files" (or similar) in your phone?
Thanks in advance,
Federico
Hi Federico,
I think you already have rooted the phone. Well, I used for this MTKDroidTools, found in this forum (and modified for only install 'su" and "SuperUser.apk"). No problem, only is needed root for System access.
The app Cube_CJIA01.apk is in the folder "/System/app/" (the normal folder for System App's ). The folder "/data/user/0/" is a soft-link (use ln in linux) to the folder "/data/data/"). You locate in this folders the same information, and this is a default folder for working or write files, used in the APK's. Every reboot of phone regenerate information in this folder.
Best regards.
Good news from my virus submission request at Trend Micro:
The two samples are confirmed as malware.
They will be detected as AndroidOS_FakeGSearch.A
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From now, all products coming from Trend Micro will handle this malware the right way

Adware/Virus on Android

Hello
im facing an ad-ware issues on my htc desire 610
out of no where my phone's screen dims and an add appear (while im on my home screen and all the apps are closed)
You can see the adds in the attachment
please tell me how to locate and remove it
You could try running Malwarebytes, I've normally had quite good results with it.
It's one of the apps you're using. Go through the permissions your apps have
genius911 said:
Hello
im facing an ad-ware issues on my htc desire 610
out of no where my phone's screen dims and an add appear (while im on my home screen and all the apps are closed)
You can see the adds in the attachment
please tell me how to locate and remove it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i also have this problem... i guess "Clean Master" is doing it in my Z3 Compact.
I have solved this issue on canvas a116 and core duos (gt i8262)
firstly, to check the severity of the virus do this : go to settings>security>device administrators
try to remove all apps under device administrators. If u are unable to remove them implies the virus is now embedded to ur fone's firmware.
solution : 1. backup ur contacts and media only, (do not backup apps and app data)
2. now u need to do a factory reset either from recovery menu or using adb (factory reset from 'settings' wont work)
3. if u again see any app under device administrators then the only solution is to reflash ur firmware
About the virus: This virus come packed in several apps on playstore in april 2015, those apps were immediately removed from playstore. however before its removal from playstore the virus had infected around 5000 smartphones. some websites refer to it as ghosthost virus. Still some non playstore apps carry this virus with them. once you install such apps, the virus will first root ur fone, and then grant itself superuser permissions without u even knowing it. Then it will install itself into system folder so dat it appears to be a system app. Whenever u r connected to internet it will download adware and install them in system folder. Its a very powerful virus, it also hides itself by running a script. Once it is in system folder u wont be able to delete it because it imitates the file names of the system files.
There's a huge list of infected apps hosted by Google playstore. So I think it's not easy to keep our devices secure from virus infection.
AVG can be as correct the problem
Hi guys! i have a serious adware problem on my elephone p7000 and i hope you can help me out.
So it's been a few days and i haven't been able to uninstall this mofo.
Here's what the adware is doing:
-Used to open ads on homescreen. it did that disguising itself as a dancing matrioska doll (which you could move around). since i installed CM security it stopped showing this kinds of ads.
-It opens pop up windows with du batery saver or other related apps (from appstore and from non-official stores). Mostly when i browse the internet.
-it places vertical ad banners (like the normal ones on almost every app on the store) on some apps, it seems to be random, cause it doesn't always happen on the same app, but it's always placed on the lower side of the phone.
-it installs push notifications with ads
-i believe it shows app ads on google play store (i haven't installed any app in quite a while so it could be google implementing this).
i have tried a lot of apps:
-Avg
-Avira
-Avast
-Malwarebytes
-CM manager (found a stagefright vulnerability and fixed it)
-Stagefright detector (with vulnerable result)
-addons detector
-airpush detector
-trustgo ad detector
-adware
-ad clean & antivirus security
and not even has been able to remove this damn malware, they don't even spot it!
i've also tried looking for all the apps on the phone,searching for apps with all the permissions and here's the list ( i don't know if these are the problem or not):
-Aging test
-agoldFactory test
-Bluetooth
.Bluetooth Share
-Bluetoooth LE
-Common data service
-e_Compass
-Elephone launcher (apparently it's the same as X launcher mysterious)
-LocationEM2
-MTK THERMAL MANAGER
- at least 3 different phone apps, 2 with 4.4 icons and 1 with android 5.0 icon. all have access to everything (is it normal to have 3 apps with the same name but different icons? )
- settings storage
-trusted face
-ygps
i have also cleared the cache of the phone, because i've read on several places that it helps (settings -> storage -> clear cache data) but with no positive result.
i have also tried looking for admin permissions but the only things in there are CM security and android manager (which i suppose is NOT an app but part of the OS).
I have tried looking for hidden files while checking my phone on my pc but there wasn't any nor did i find any weird app NOT installed by me.
i don't know if you have any other advice on what to do, or if you can help me reduce this list of apps so i can find the culprit app.
i'm afraid this is the ghost virus everyone's talking about, it appeared out of nowhere.
i haven't browsed that much. and when i do i always go to trusted sources. apart from the netflix app which i downloaded a few days ago i haven't downloaded anything in like 1 or 2 months and didn't have this problem until a few days ago. Right after my girlfriend's phone (same model as mine) got the same problem.
We both had the "install from untrusted sources" option on because i was testing an app i am making, but i doubt that's the problem since we only activated it whenever i tried to install the app on the phone (like twice in a week).
she has sent me pictures or files through mail, whatsapp or telegram only and it's the only link between our phones, besides being under the same wifi connection, of course.
thanks in advance for the help!
This is a known issue with these types of devices. They have these ads built into the system apks.
Hi !
Thanks for that solutions !
I have a question : where could I find malwarebytes for android ?
Best regard.
Adware and infected htc desire 526 g plus
Guys I am in a pickle! :silly:
I want to wipe my HTC desire 526 plus clean of malware that is causing it to download unwanted apps without consent. The malware seems capable of modifying the inherent permissions and bypassing all security features.
I am unable to gain root access by kingoroot alone. adware is not letting me update the Superuser app and being nasty on purpose.
It can gain permission to automatically start wifi, gain pemission to install 'Unknown Apps' and sends location and data with impunity. The ads are everywhere.:crying:
I have tried stock backup but it still reinstalls all the malware and the same cycle begins again. What I want is a freash stock rom/nand backup for this menace. Surprisingly I still cant find one link on the world wide web. Please Help me find it.
I am unable to gain root access by kingoroot alone. adware is not letting me update the Superuser app and being nasty on purpose.
alokmey3 said:
Guys I am in a pickle! :silly:
I want to wipe my HTC desire 526 plus clean of malware that is causing it to download unwanted apps without consent. The malware seems capable of modifying the inherent permissions and bypassing all security features.
I am unable to gain root access by kingoroot alone. adware is not letting me update the Superuser app and being nasty on purpose.
It can gain permission to automatically start wifi, gain pemission to install 'Unknown Apps' and sends location and data with impunity. The ads are everywhere.:crying:
I have tried stock backup but it still reinstalls all the malware and the same cycle begins again. What I want is a freash stock rom/nand backup for this menace. Surprisingly I still cant find one link on the world wide web. Please Help me find it.
I am unable to gain root access by kingoroot alone. adware is not letting me update the Superuser app and being nasty on purpose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kingo root is the reason you are in this jam as it is. I don't think HTC ever released anything for this device so your best bet is to contact HTC.
ENERGYSER400 MTK 6572 virus help android 4.4.2
Bonjour, hy
For me it's exactly the same on my phone.... i have the snowfoxer folder with a lot of malicious apk on it and i don't know how to delete or erase the virus .... without wifi and google play ..... how i can flash the firmwire please
!
philjps said:
Bonjour, hy
For me it's exactly the same on my phone.... i have the snowfoxer folder with a lot of malicious apk on it and i don't know how to delete or erase the virus .... without wifi and google play ..... how i can flash the firmwire please
!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Find the forum that supports your device
model/carrier and post there. You'll likely find your answers there. If not someone will help you.
HTC desire 526G+ bricked
zelendel said:
Kingo root is the reason you are in this jam as it is. I don't think HTC ever released anything for this device so your best bet is to contact HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have deleted my priv-app folder and now I am stuck in boot loop, or just the HTC logo.
cant boot into recovery or bootloader (I tried). Tell me if you know something

[Completed] Malware , 'anti-virus/cleanup' software uninstalls, returns during phone bootup

I have a phone which has been rooted due to a problem I encountered where I had to flash and re-install my Android thl5000 device. I have the ultimate v3 on it. It was fine until I again installed a dodgy application where I had to try to remove it via an anti-malware app. Out of my curiosity one of those applications was the cheetah and Go Security anti-malware app.
I searched the forum and could not find a similar issue.
Now all the anti-malware and anti-virus applications I have installed do not detect any malware on my phone. I have the stubborn trojan removal software which I also have used and still it has not detected anything. I have a web anti-virus security which has not detected any problem with my phone.
My problem is I have 3 applications that as a result of my lack of wisdom keep re-installing themselves upon bootup.
'Android is optimizing 1 of 3 apps'
When my phone loads up I have 3 applications (which can be uninstalled without a problem apparently).
they are
"Go Security"
"Superb Cleaner"
"Ace Cleaner"
I have messaged the developers in their apps and they have not responded, once or twice the Go Dev for 'Go Security ' team got back to me about trying to help me permanently remove it but after several attempts of clearing the cache, the removing from google play and doing the same removal from safe mode and even trying from the root to find similar looking files, there seems to be no way to remove whatever is causing their re-installation.
The only application I have found that identifies the applications as low reputation apps is Sophos.
I will try the hummingbird application that someone suggested in another thread in the XDA assist ... hummingbad-malware-android-t3484704 .
It could be there is malware hidden behind these applications and I want to find the source of this and remove it. I am not sure how. I have a USB cable, I have mtk droid tools I think on my laptop, I have my phone on developer options.
When I uninstall the applications there seems to be no installation, either this is fake or it uninstalls part of the program and upon reboot calls the apk file responsible which is hidden deep in the phone.
In safe mode and all the other techniques I have not found a solution yet. On google there is a bit but nothing about this specific case and its source.
Any thoughts for those with a bit of experience would be grateful, I will also post this same post in the Sophos Security forum to see if their experts can offer any thoughts, in case anyone else has the same problem as me.
Harry
Harry Georgiou said:
I have a phone which has been rooted due to a problem I encountered where I had to flash and re-install my Android thl5000 device. I have the ultimate v3 on it. It was fine until I again installed a dodgy application where I had to try to remove it via an anti-malware app. Out of my curiosity one of those applications was the cheetah and Go Security anti-malware app.
I searched the forum and could not find a similar issue.
Now all the anti-malware and anti-virus applications I have installed do not detect any malware on my phone. I have the stubborn trojan removal software which I also have used and still it has not detected anything. I have a web anti-virus security which has not detected any problem with my phone.
My problem is I have 3 applications that as a result of my lack of wisdom keep re-installing themselves upon bootup.
'Android is optimizing 1 of 3 apps'
When my phone loads up I have 3 applications (which can be uninstalled without a problem apparently).
they are
"Go Security"
"Superb Cleaner"
"Ace Cleaner"
I have messaged the developers in their apps and they have not responded, once or twice the Go Dev for 'Go Security ' team got back to me about trying to help me permanently remove it but after several attempts of clearing the cache, the removing from google play and doing the same removal from safe mode and even trying from the root to find similar looking files, there seems to be no way to remove whatever is causing their re-installation.
The only application I have found that identifies the applications as low reputation apps is Sophos.
I will try the hummingbird application that someone suggested in another thread in the XDA assist ... hummingbad-malware-android-t3484704 .
It could be there is malware hidden behind these applications and I want to find the source of this and remove it. I am not sure how. I have a USB cable, I have mtk droid tools I think on my laptop, I have my phone on developer options.
When I uninstall the applications there seems to be no installation, either this is fake or it uninstalls part of the program and upon reboot calls the apk file responsible which is hidden deep in the phone.
In safe mode and all the other techniques I have not found a solution yet. On google there is a bit but nothing about this specific case and its source.
Any thoughts for those with a bit of experience would be grateful, I will also post this same post in the Sophos Security forum to see if their experts can offer any thoughts, in case anyone else has the same problem as me.
Harry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greetings and welcome to assist. If you just want to remove those apps then there are a couple of very simple ways while you have root. You could just delete the apps with a root browser but the easiest would be to use titanium backup or anything similar to remove the apps
Good Luck
Sawdoctor
sawdoctor said:
Greetings and welcome to assist. If you just want to remove those apps then there are a couple of very simple ways while you have root. You could just delete the apps with a root browser but the easiest would be to use titanium backup or anything similar to remove the apps
Good Luck
Sawdoctor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium backup was able to uninstall the applications just like the other methods of uninstallation but after rebooting my phone the 3 applications re-install themselves.
Any other thoughts?
Harry Georgiou said:
Titanium backup was able to uninstall the applications just like the other methods of uninstallation but after rebooting my phone the 3 applications re-install themselves.
Any other thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried to freeze them instead? If you actually know the package names it's easy to delete them with root browser
Sent from my SM-N930F using Tapatalk
sawdoctor said:
Have you tried to freeze them instead? If you actually know the package names it's easy to delete them with root browser
Sent from my SM-N930F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you mean freeze them?
What do you recommend? They cannot be force stopped, only uninstalled.
Harry Georgiou said:
How do you mean freeze them?
What do you recommend? They cannot be force stopped, only uninstalled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just checked Titanium Backup to see if that is what you mean and realised you meant that.
I just checked and it said they can only be frozen in the version you pay/donate money for.
Any other way?
How to I isolate what causes them to be started up in the first place, like using MTK droid tools or something? What command is set by what program to call them to be installed so as to track down the culprit and file causing this problem.
It would help me and others who know not how to deal with it.
Harry
Harry Georgiou said:
How do you mean freeze them?
What do you recommend? They cannot be force stopped, only uninstalled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have root then their is an option in titanium backup to freeze the apps rather than uninstall them. This will prevent the app from starting
sawdoctor said:
If you have root then their is an option in titanium backup to freeze the apps rather than uninstall them. This will prevent the app from starting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is only available for the paid version. I tried it and I have root access since I allowed Titanium backup to have root facilities with SU User
Any thoughts?
Also how do I find out the reason they are starting up in the first place?
I can simply ignore them after uninstalling hoping my phone does not restart but this does not solve the issue at its core.
Any thoughts?
Harry Georgiou said:
This is only available for the paid version. I tried it and I have root access since I allowed Titanium backup to have root facilities with SU User
Any thoughts?
Also how do I find out the reason they are starting up in the first place?
I can simply ignore them after uninstalling hoping my phone does not restart but this does not solve the issue at its core.
Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The android is upgrading message is probably because the apps have not been removed properly thats all so no do not worry its normal. Using titanium backup you should be able to find the actual name of the app and then actually delete them with a root browser. You can try similar apps to titanium back up like rom toolbox, package disabler or 3c toolbox to see if they can uninstall them or freeze them. It is a very easy thing to fix when you have the phone in front of you but harder to talk you through it unfortunately
sawdoctor said:
The android is upgrading message is probably because the apps have not been removed properly thats all so no do not worry its normal. Using titanium backup you should be able to find the actual name of the app and then actually delete them with a root browser. You can try similar apps to titanium back up like rom toolbox, package disabler or 3c toolbox to see if they can uninstall them or freeze them. It is a very easy thing to fix when you have the phone in front of you but harder to talk you through it unfortunately
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
I will try the applications you have suggested.
So far Root explorer does not really identify them apart from various folders, Titanium backup does not freeze them unless I donate money.... I would like to but kind of thinking having a limited budget long term to try to scrimp and save here and there.
Will try
Rom toolbox
Package Disabler
3c toolbox
I will let you know how it goes and other options, on top of that what else could I do?
Is there a way to dig deep down in the system and identify the different commands that the system calls up to bring them into installation?
Harry

security App

Got my son a Note 5 for Christmas yesterday, I know on mine i run Lookout as the native antivirus and every couple of weeks I scan it with Malwarebytes and have not had a problem. When I was at the ATT store activating it for him the salesman told me NOT to install lookout and malwarebytes as they will harm the phone (Samsungs come with lookout already preloaded) he told me to use Avast (I have used that for PCs and know its a good product) and that has a malware scanner and antivirus all in one. What are peoples opinions or suggestions?
no need for malware and antivirus for android
no root no problem apps require root permission to do what the virus does
AlMaghraby said:
no need for malware and antivirus for android
no root no problem apps require root permission to do what the virus does
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im not so much worried about the apps themselves causing issues, Im more concerned about when he uses the internet itself. you see he has Autism and dosent understand that people can put harmful stuff inside the links. He is 15 and he wanted a phone, movies, you tube etc.... but I know e will get curious (like all kids) and surf the net. His friends in school have phones so I thought he was old enough to have one too. Im just worried about him opening up an email or link and seeing something or his phone getting infected
https://disconnect.me/ ,if you must have ...
even if he surfs the internet those malware and viruses you talk about are made for windows not android so I see that there is no way to infect your phone without being rooted.
those links won't affect the phone.
and I suggest that you untick unknow resources install from setting and you will be just fine .

How to remove recurring virus in android 4.4.2 lava iris atom 2

I have a virus on my phone device mentioned at the title. I have heard about it in some websites and 1 in xda too but it didn't help. I hard resetted it alot from the power and volume buttons. It still comes. My device was rooted using king root. The virus installs many apps . I do not know the exact file names. it was like asd.htj.zcx , zgf.iok.lkj etc. I get it every time i connect to the internet. It creates shortcut to porn sites (sex club, hot videos). I do not own the device its of my mom and she will be mad if she saw it. I couldn't suspect any apps that could do it i would have removed it if i could suspect it. It gives another type of ad about juggernaut champions, uc browser(which i already had). It displays full screen ads excluding the status bar stating launcher loading. It just draws its content over other apps as i noticed it while i hold down the home button i noticed the recent apps thing. And I discovered that if i turn off wifi its gone. Until the time i turn off wifi.
I couldn't install a custom rom as my phone is not detected in spreadtrum driver update tool.
The official update from lavamobiles.com fails halfway while verification.
I have a good experience on samsung devices. But i don't know about others
Plz help!! Fast!!!
sashinm said:
I have a virus on my phone device mentioned at the title. I have heard about it in some websites and 1 in xda too but it didn't help. I hard resetted it alot from the power and volume buttons. It still comes. My device was rooted using king root. The virus installs many apps . I do not know the exact file names. it was like asd.htj.zcx , zgf.iok.lkj etc. I get it every time i connect to the internet. It creates shortcut to porn sites (sex club, hot videos). I do not own the device its of my mom and she will be mad if she saw it. I couldn't suspect any apps that could do it i would have removed it if i could suspect it. It gives another type of ad about juggernaut champions, uc browser(which i already had). It displays full screen ads excluding the status bar stating launcher loading. It just draws its content over other apps as i noticed it while i hold down the home button i noticed the recent apps thing. And I discovered that if i turn off wifi its gone. Until the time i turn off wifi.
I couldn't install a custom rom as my phone is not detected in spreadtrum driver update tool.
The official update from lavamobiles.com fails halfway while verification.
I have a good experience on samsung devices. But i don't know about others
Plz help!! Fast!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your mom hasn't killed you yet, follow these steps.
1. Download ES File Explorer from Google Play
2. Run app and navigate to the "Apps Page"
3. Sort installed apps by Date. Making the most recently installed apps appear first
3. Using Es File Explorer, unistall the suspicious looking apps. Or navigate to data/app or system/app and delete the apps manually. You can sort the files (apks) in the system/app folder by date. That should make it easier to locate the newly installed malware.
4. After you've removed all the suspicious apps, Reboot and connect to a WiFi/Mobile Data to make sure all the malicious apps are gone (you shouldn't get the pop ups or the shortcuts anymore)
5. If everything works as intended, uninstall ES File Explorer.
Thanks
Freewander10 said:
If your mom hasn't killed you yet, follow these steps.
1. Download ES File Explorer from Google Play
2. Run app and navigate to the "Apps Page"
3. Sort installed apps by Date. Making the most recently installed apps appear first
3. Using Es File Explorer, unistall the suspicious looking apps. Or navigate to data/app or system/app and delete the apps manually. You can sort the files (apks) in the system/app folder by date. That should make it easier to locate the newly installed malware.
4. After you've removed all the suspicious apps, Reboot and connect to a WiFi/Mobile Data to make sure all the malicious apps are gone (you shouldn't get the pop ups or the shortcuts anymore)
5. If everything works as intended, uninstall ES File Explorer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
But I already did that. :good::good::good:
I was inactive to reply if i am late i checked my email and got the reply.
The method was pretty much the same.
The differences from the method are:
I used link2sd to do so
and i found that they weren't in /system/app/ but in /system/priv-app/ .
I tried uninstalling them and it said reboot device. Still they were not uninstalled.
I have just frozen them. And now it works fine.
Good news for non rooted people you can disable the apps if you have the same virus.
If you still have the virus after disabling the apps then you can use link2sd without root and view the system apps and sort them acc to date.
The name of the apps are:
Android Media Service
catstudio
netalpha
org.rain.ball.update
PhoneService
Good news the device is mine now :laugh::laugh::laugh:
I classified the virus and its impacts and removed the explicit one.
And let my mom use facebook for a while i know it sounds cruel but i had to do it.
She had a experience from hell. Then i disabled the sim and said "Now even the sim doesnt work" :cyclops::cyclops::cyclops:
sashinm said:
Thank you!
But I already did that. :good::good::good:
I was inactive to reply if i am late i checked my email and got the reply.
The method was pretty much the same.
The differences from the method are:
I used link2sd to do so
and i found that they weren't in /system/app/ but in /system/priv-app/ .
I tried uninstalling them and it said reboot device. Still they were not uninstalled.
I have just frozen them. And now it works fine.
Good news for non rooted people you can disable the apps if you have the same virus.
If you still have the virus after disabling the apps then you can use link2sd without root and view the system apps and sort them acc to date.
The name of the apps are:
Android Media Service
catstudio
netalpha
org.rain.ball.update
PhoneService
Good news the device is mine now :laugh::laugh::laugh:
I classified the virus and its impacts and removed the explicit one.
And let my mom use facebook for a while i know it sounds cruel but i had to do it.
She had a experience from hell. Then i disabled the sim and said "Now even the sim doesnt work" :cyclops::cyclops::cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad you got them removed.
You're cold bro
But you got a new phone so :good:
Flash the device
using ResearchDownload Spreadtrum
first, install driver spreadtrum in pc
2, firmware firmwarefile*com/lava-iris-atom-2
Freewander10 said:
I'm glad you got them removed.
You're cold bro
But you got a new phone so :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
And actually I got an old phone :silly::silly::silly:
But something is better than nothing:good::good:
danmrz said:
using ResearchDownload Spreadtrum
first, install driver spreadtrum in pc
2, firmware firmwarefile*com/lava-iris-atom-2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My device isnt detected in flash tool while it is detected in auto driver installer.

Categories

Resources