Malware

RedDrop

RedDrop is an Android mobile spyware family known for distributing malicious applications outside official app stores through advertisements and links on websites, using redirect chains and content distribution infrastructure to entice users into sideloading infected apps. It can also retrieve additional components after installation, including further application packages and Java-based modules, expanding functionality post-compromise.

RedDrop is associated with surveillance and data-theft behavior on infected devices. It captures live audio recordings from the device’s surroundings and collects extensive device, subscriber, and network profiling data, including mobile subscriber identifiers, carrier and country codes, nearby Wi-Fi information, and operating system and manufacturer details. The malware transmits stolen information to command-and-control infrastructure and uses standard HTTP both for command-and-control communications and for exfiltration, allowing its traffic to blend with ordinary web activity.

The malware’s observed behavior aligns with Android-focused spyware that combines social-engineering-based installation, host profiling, audio collection, modular payload retrieval, and network-based data theft. Its use of sideloaded malicious apps and follow-on component downloads makes it particularly relevant to mobile threat defense, enterprise mobility management, and investigations involving unauthorized Android application installation and covert surveillance.

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MITRE ATT&CK

Techniques & procedures

5 distinct techniques documented for this family, organized by ATT&CK tactic.

Discovery

1 technique

T1082System Information DiscoveryEvidence1

AbstractEmu can collect device IP address and SIM information; Android/SpyAgent has collected device network information, such as the IMEI and the phone number; ANDROIDOS_ANSERVER.A gathers the device IMEI and IMSI; many listed mobile malware families collect IMEI, IMSI, ICCID, MEID, serial number, phone number, MAC address, IP address, carrier, MCC/MNC, and related device/network identifiers.

Command and Control

2 techniques

T1071.001Web ProtocolsEvidence2

AbstractEmu can use HTTP to communicate with the C2 server; AhRat can communicate with the C2 using HTTPS requests; BRATA can use both HTTP and WebSockets to communicate with the C2 server; LightSpy has used both HTTPS and Websockets to communicate with the C2.

T1105Ingress Tool TransferEvidence1

Some Android malware comes with functionality to install additional applications, either automatically or when the adversary instructs it to.

Exfiltration

2 techniques

T1041Exfiltration Over C2 ChannelEvidence1

PJApps has the capability to collect and leak the victim's phone number, mobile device unique identifier (IMEI); RedDrop collects and exfiltrates information including IMEI, IMSI, MNC, MCC, nearby Wi‑Fi networks, and other device and SIM-related info; Sunbird can exfiltrate phone number and IMEI; WolfRAT sends the device’s IMEI with each exfiltration request.

T1048.003Exfiltration Over Unencrypted Non-C2 ProtocolEvidence2

BRATA has exfiltrated data to the C2 server using HTTP requests.

ACTIVITY FEED

Recent activity

10 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.

10 SOURCESView more in app

mitre attack websiteNews

Oct 21, 2021

Standard Application Layer Protocol, Technique T1437 - Mobile | MITRE ATT&CK®

Mobile malware family using standard HTTP for both communication and data exfiltration.

mitre attack websiteNews

Jul 8, 2020

Deliver Malicious App via Other Means, Technique T1476 - Mobile | MITRE ATT&CK®

Mobile malware family spread via ads and website links with redirect chains; downloads additional APK and JAR components from C2 servers.

mitre attack websiteNews

Jul 8, 2020

Capture Audio, Technique T1429 - Mobile | MITRE ATT&CK®

Mobile malware family that records ambient audio from a victim's surroundings.

mitre attack websiteNews

Jan 18, 2018

System Information Discovery, Technique T1426 - Mobile | MITRE ATT&CK®

Android malware that exfiltrates device operating system and manufacturer details.

+6 more in the timeline

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IOC matching

Match every observed IP, domain, and hash against your live telemetry.

Threat actor attribution

Named campaigns wielding this family, with evidence pinned to each claim.

Exploited vulnerabilities

CVEs this family uses for access and lateral movement.

Detection signatures

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

MITRE ATT&CK mapping5

Every documented technique, ranked by evidence weight.

Researcher chatter

Reddit, Mastodon, and CTI community discussion around this family.

RedDrop