Description

Mirax is an Android Remote Access Trojan (RAT) targeting retail banking customers across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. Between March and September 2026, thousands of Android devices were reportedly infected, resulting in financial losses potentially reaching millions of US dollars. According to Group-IB, the campaign spreads through advertisements and video links in low-reputation streaming applications available on Google Play, which redirect users to malicious APK installers hosted outside the official store. One installer impersonates a fake “TikTok 18+” application. Once installed, Mirax disguises itself as Google Play Services and tricks victims into granting Accessibility permissions. It exploits these permissions to monitor screens, control device interfaces, intercept SMS messages and notifications, capture credentials and lock-screen PINs, and remotely operate banking applications. Attackers can access banking sessions, add beneficiaries, initiate unauthorized transfers, and conduct fraudulent transactions. The malware targets more than 20 banking and digital wallet applications, as well as cryptocurrency exchanges. Mirax communicates with attacker-controlled Command-and-Control (C2) servers using WebSocket connections and HTTP long-polling, while DNS-over-HTTPS helps reduce network visibility. Its SOCKS5 module converts infected devices into residential proxies, potentially bypassing IP-based security checks. The malware also hides its launcher icon, randomizes package names, persists after reboots, and obstructs removal. Group-IB recommends monitoring suspicious Accessibility permissions and remote-control activity. Users should avoid APK downloads promoted through advertisements and reject unexpected permission requests from entertainment applications.