RedHook Android Trojan Automatically Enables Wireless ADB Debugging to Hijack Devices Without Root or User Interaction

The RedHook trojan, first identified in July 2025, has gained a novel capability that allows it to independently activate wireless ADB debugging on infected Android devices, granting system-shell privileges without requiring root access or any victim interaction. Infection begins through social engineering calls or messages impersonating bank or government officials, tricking users into installing malicious APKs hosted on legitimate platforms such as GitHub repositories and Amazon S3 storage. Once installed, the malware obtains accessibility service permissions and then silently navigates device settings, taps the build number seven times to unlock developer options, and enables wireless debugging. Leveraging code derived from the popular Shizuku tool, RedHook launches its own ADB client to connect directly to the local debugging server, bypassing the need for a computer. With elevated privileges, the trojan can install or uninstall applications, modify protected settings, grant itself permissions, and exfiltrate data and screen recordings over encrypted channels while employing multiple persistence techniques including mutual process resurrection and post-reboot restoration. Attacks have so far been concentrated in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Indonesia. Security experts recommend installing apps only from official stores and exercising caution with accessibility permission requests.

securitylab_nJuly 14, 2026Translated from Russian

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The RedHook trojan, first described in July 2025, has received an unprecedented update that lets it independently enable wireless ADB debugging on compromised Android smartphones, achieving system-shell privileges without root or any action from the victim.

According to researchers at Group-IB, the infection follows a familiar social-engineering pattern. Attackers contact targets by phone or messenger, posing as bank or government representatives, and persuade them to download an application from a fake website styled to resemble an official app store. The malicious APK files themselves are hosted on legitimate infrastructure—GitHub repositories and Amazon S3 cloud storage—reducing the likelihood of detection by security solutions.

After installation, victims are convinced to grant the app accessibility-service permissions under the pretext of enabling full functionality. This single permission serves as the gateway to everything else. With accessibility access, RedHook automatically opens the device settings, taps the build number seven times to reveal the developer menu, and activates wireless debugging—all hidden behind a full-screen overlay.

The malware then runs its own ADB client, which connects directly to the phone’s local debugging server using the loopback address, eliminating any need for an external computer. The technique is built on code from the popular Shizuku framework that advanced users normally employ to extend app capabilities without root.

Once system-level privileges are obtained, RedHook can silently install or remove applications, alter protected settings, and grant itself additional permissions without triggering confirmation dialogs. To remain active as long as possible, the trojan employs several anti-termination tactics: it simulates an active foreground window, plays silent audio, prevents the CPU from sleeping, and blocks the system from killing its process under low-memory conditions.

Two service processes monitor each other and restart their counterpart if either is stopped. After a device reboot, a dedicated component automatically restores all privileges. Stolen data and live screen recordings are transmitted over encrypted connections to attacker-controlled servers; when system rights are already present, the malware can stream the screen without triggering the standard screen-recording permission prompt.

Observed campaigns remain focused on Southeast Asia, with infections confirmed in Vietnam and later in Indonesia. Experts advise installing applications exclusively from official stores, scrutinizing permission requests—especially accessibility access—and remaining wary of unsolicited contacts claiming to represent banks or government agencies.

GitHub RedHook Shizuku Amazon S3 ADB

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