Trojanized WhatsApp application for Android. The modified messenger was added to the smartphone firmware as part of a supply chain attack.
Operating routine
This APK is a WhatsApp application modified using the LSPatch framework. The framework embeds the necessary DEX and SO files directly into the target APK file, which allows modifying the app's operation on launch without modifying its code.
After the modification, a subdirectory lspatch is added to the assets directory with the following structure:
lspatch/
modules/
com.whatsHook.apk
so/
arm64-v8a/
liblspatch.so
armeabi-v7a/
liblspatch.so
x86/
liblspatch.so
86_64/
liblspatch.so
config.json
cloader.dex
origin.apk
loader.dex, liblspatch.so — files required for Xposed API integration;
config.json — JSON configuration file containing settings for LSPatch;
origin.apk — original WhatsApp source application file;
If the operating system (OS) can be loaded (either normally or in safe mode), download Dr.Web Security Space and run a full scan of your computer and removable media you use. More about Dr.Web Security Space.
If you cannot boot the OS, change the BIOS settings to boot your system from a CD or USB drive. Download the image of the emergency system repair disk Dr.Web® LiveDisk , mount it on a USB drive or burn it to a CD/DVD. After booting up with this media, run a full scan and cure all the detected threats.
If the mobile device is operating normally, download and install Dr.Web for Android. Run a full system scan and follow recommendations to neutralize the detected threats.
If the mobile device has been locked by Android.Locker ransomware (the message on the screen tells you that you have broken some law or demands a set ransom amount; or you will see some other announcement that prevents you from using the handheld normally), do the following:
Load your smartphone or tablet in the safe mode (depending on the operating system version and specifications of the particular mobile device involved, this procedure can be performed in various ways; seek clarification from the user guide that was shipped with the device, or contact its manufacturer);
Once you have activated safe mode, install the Dr.Web for Android onto the infected handheld and run a full scan of the system; follow the steps recommended for neutralizing the threats that have been detected;
Renew your trial license in AppGallery/on Google Pay
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