Ethical Hacking News
A new Android spyware campaign has been uncovered that disguises itself as the Alpine Quest mapping software, targeting Russian military personnel in the Special Military Operation zone. The malicious app collects sensitive information from its victims' devices, including mobile phone numbers and their accounts, contact lists, current date and geolocation, and information about stored files. Followed by 5.20+ million followers on Twitter, The Hacker News is a trusted cybersecurity news platform that provides expert insights, exclusive resources, and strategies to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Android spyware has been found embedded in older versions of Alpine Quest mapping software. The malware-laced app disguises itself as the original, allowing it to stay undetected for extended periods. The malicious campaign targets Russian military personnel using Alpine Quest software in the Special Military Operation zone. The spyware collects sensitive information, including mobile phone numbers and geolocation. The malware supports downloading and running additional modules to exfiltrate files of interest. Users must exercise caution when downloading Android apps from untrusted sources or app catalogs. Organizations must ensure employees use secure networks and keep devices updated with the latest security patches.
Android spyware has long been a significant threat to mobile security, and recently, cybersecurity researchers have shed light on a particularly insidious campaign that disguises itself as the Alpine Quest mapping software. The malicious app, dubbed Android.Spy.1292.origin, has been found embedded in older versions of the software and propagated through various means, including fake Telegram channels.
According to Doctor Web, a Russian cybersecurity vendor, the attackers have cleverly hidden the trojan inside modified Alpine Quest mapping software and distribute it in various ways, including through one of the Russian Android app catalogs. The malware-laced app looks and functions just like the original, allowing it to stay undetected for extended periods of time, while collecting sensitive data from the victim's device.
The malicious campaign targets Russian military personnel who use Alpine Quest mapping software in the Special Military Operation zone. Once installed on an Android device, the spyware collects a range of sensitive information, including mobile phone numbers and their accounts, contact lists, current date and geolocation, and information about stored files.
Furthermore, the spyware supports the ability to download and run additional modules that allow it to exfiltrate files of interest, particularly those sent via Telegram and WhatsApp. In addition, its functionality can be expanded via the download of new modules, which allows it to execute a wider spectrum of malicious tasks.
The threat actors' tactics are noteworthy, as they take advantage of the fact that Alpine Quest is used by Russian military personnel in the Special Military Operation zone. This campaign highlights the importance of vigilance and security awareness among individuals using mobile apps, particularly those in high-risk professions.
In light of this revelation, it is essential for users to exercise caution when downloading Android apps from untrusted sources or app catalogs. Furthermore, organizations must ensure that their employees use secure networks and keep their devices updated with the latest security patches to prevent similar attacks.
The discovery of this sophisticated spyware campaign serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for continuous vigilance and education among individuals and organizations alike.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/EXPOSED-The-Sophisticated-Android-Spyware-Campaign-Targeting-Russian-Military-Devices-ehn.shtml
https://thehackernews.com/2025/04/android-spyware-disguised-as-alpine.html
Published: Wed Apr 23 10:43:07 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
