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New Android Malware Uses .NET MAUI to Evade Detection

New Android Malware Uses .NET MAUI to Evade Detection

  • 25.03.2025 17:23
  • infosecurity-magazine.com
  • Keywords: Malware, Fraudulent Banking App, Stolen Data, Command-and-Control Server, Cross-Platform Frameworks, Social Networking Service (SNS), Encrypted Communication, Mobile Security

Cybersecurity researchers at McAfee have discovered new Android malware using .NET MAUI to evade detection by hiding malicious code in blob files. This malware disguises itself as legitimate apps, targeting users with fake banking and social media services while stealing sensitive data through encrypted communication. McAfee advises downloading apps only from official stores and using security software to protect against these evolving threats.

Microsoft ServicesMSFTsentiment_neutral

Estimated market influence

McAfee

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Identified the new Android malware and provided insights into its mechanisms.

IndusInd Bank

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Impersonated by fraudulent banking app to steal user information.

Microsoft

Microsoft

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: Strong buy

.NET MAUI framework was exploited by malware developers, but Microsoft is not directly involved in the malicious activities.

Context

Analysis of New Android Malware Using .NET MAUI to Evade Detection

Key Findings

  • Malware Exploitation: Cybercriminals are exploiting .NET MAUI, a cross-platform development framework by Microsoft, to create malware that evades traditional detection mechanisms.
  • Targeted Apps:
    • A fraudulent banking app impersonating IndusInd Bank targeted Indian users, collecting sensitive personal and financial data.
    • A fake social networking service (SNS) app targeting Chinese-speaking users used multi-stage dynamic loading to obfuscate its payload.
  • Malware Techniques:
    • Malicious code is stored in binary large objects (blobs) within app assemblies, avoiding detection in Java or native components.
    • AndroidManifest.xml manipulation with excessive, randomly generated permissions to bypass security tools.
    • Encrypted socket communication over TCP connections for data transmission.

Market Impact

  • Mobile Security Threat Landscape: The rise of sophisticated malware targeting mobile platforms underscores the growing complexity of mobile security threats.
  • Cross-Platform Framework Risks: The adoption of frameworks like .NET MAUI, Flutter, and React Native has introduced new attack vectors for cybercriminals.
  • Demand for Advanced Detection Tools: Organizations will need to invest in next-generation detection mechanisms capable of identifying obfuscated malware.

Competitive Landscape

  • Cybersecurity Firms: Companies like McAfee are under pressure to innovate detection methods to counter evolving threats.
  • App Developers: Developers using cross-platform frameworks must prioritize security during app development to avoid exploitation.
  • OS Vendors: Android and iOS providers may need to enhance their respective security frameworks to mitigate such threats.

Strategic Considerations

  • Proactive Measures:
    • App developers should adopt secure coding practices and integrate advanced threat detection tools.
    • Users should exercise caution when downloading apps, especially those requesting excessive permissions.
  • Collaboration: Partnerships between cybersecurity firms, OS vendors, and app developers are critical to addressing emerging threats.

Mitigation Strategies

  • User Precautions:
    • Download apps only from official stores (e.g., Google Play).
    • Avoid granting unnecessary permissions to apps.
    • Use reputable security software for real-time threat detection.
  • Security Vendors: McAfee recommends keeping security tools updated and emphasizes the importance of vigilance in protecting against emerging threats.

Regulatory Implications

  • Potential Future Regulations: Governments may introduce stricter guidelines on app permissions and data handling, particularly for cross-platform frameworks like .NET MAUI.

This analysis highlights the critical need for enhanced mobile security measures to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.