APP-28 · Mobile Threat Catalogue
Archived: 2026-04-02 10:45:29 UTC
Mobile Threat Catalogue
Encrypting and Ransoming Files
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Threat Category: Malicious or privacy-invasive application
ID: APP-28
Threat Description: A malicious app with permission to modify files or data stored in shared locations, such as
external media or contacts could potentially overwrite an original file or data object with an encoded or encrypted
one. The attacker could then demand some form of payment in exchange for returning randomed data to a usable
state.
Threat Origin
Not Applicable, See Exploit or CVE Examples
Exploit Examples
New Android Trojan xBot Phishes Credit Cards and Bank Accounts, Encrypts Devices for Ransom 1
CVE Examples
Possible Countermeasures
Enterprise
Deploy MAM or MDM solutions with policies that prohibit the side-loading of apps, which may bypass security
checks on the app.
Deploy MAM or MDM solutions with policies that prohibit the installation of apps from 3rd party (unofficial) app
stores.
Use application threat intelligence data about apps that maliciously encrypt user data.
Use app-vetting tools or services to identify apps that maliciously encrypt user data.
Mobile Device User
Use Android Verify Apps feature to identify potentially harmful apps.
https://pages.nist.gov/mobile-threat-catalogue/application-threats/APP-28.html
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References
Source: https://pages.nist.gov/mobile-threat-catalogue/application-threats/APP-28.html
https://pages.nist.gov/mobile-threat-catalogue/application-threats/APP-28.html
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