While the original ClayRat strain was able to exfiltrate SMS messages, call logs, notifications, device data, take photos, and send mass SMS or place calls, effectively allowing infected devices to become distribution hubs. The newly observed variant demonstrates a substantial escalation in functionality and stealth. The updated strain abuses both Default SMS privileges and Accessibility Services, enabling it to:
Capture lock-screen credentials (PIN, password, or pattern) and automatically unlock the device.
Record the screen via the MediaProjection API.
Present deceptive overlays (for example, fake system-update prompts) to prevent user detection.
Programmatically initiate taps — blocking the user from powering down or uninstalling the malicious app.
Generate fake or interactive notifications, then intercept and exfiltrate responses.
This expanded functionality enables full device takeover, making ClayRat far more dangerous than the version first reported, especially since victims may no longer detect or easily remove the malware. The updated behavior also increases the risk to corporate endpoints: compromised devices could leak corporate credentials, MFA codes, or sensitive enterprise data through hijacked SMS, notification flows, or screen captures.
The malware continues to leverage social engineering at scale. As before, ClayRat masquerades as legitimate, widely used applications and services, including major video and messaging platforms, as well as localized or regional services (for example, certain Russian taxi or parking apps). Distribution remains heavily reliant on phishing webpages and sideloaded APKs, including via cloud-storage platforms such as Dropbox. According to zLabs telemetry, more than 700 unique APKs tied to ClayRat have already been identified in a short time window.
“ClayRat’s evolution shows exactly why enterprises need protection that works at the device level, not just network-based,” said Vishnu Pratapagiri, lead researcher at zLabs. “By abusing Accessibility Services and overlay tricks, this variant turns Android devices into fully compromised endpoints and conventional defenses may not be enough.”
As ClayRat continues to evolve, expanding its spyware, remote-control, and lock-screen manipulation capabilities, enterprises should treat this campaign as a critical reminder: mobile devices, especially in BYOD environments, remain among the most vulnerable entry points for attackers. Zimperium continues to monitor ClayRat and share relevant indicators of compromise with industry partners.
