Octagon

Octagon Malware-as-a-Service Platform Targets Android Banking Apps and Crypto Wallets for $1400 Monthly Subscription

Researchers at iVerify have uncovered the previously unknown Octagon platform, a malware-as-a-service offering sold by a Russian-speaking actor under the handle AndroidKitKat. The service first appeared on underground forums on June 1, 2026, with version 1.2 released by June 29, providing a ready-made control panel for account takeovers across banks, crypto exchanges, messengers, and wallets. Infection starts with a disguised APK that requests Accessibility Services permissions, after which the trojan can read UI elements, simulate taps, launch apps, and overlay phishing screens on services such as Trust Wallet, Binance, and MEXC. The malware also intercepts SMS one-time codes, spoofs the system lock screen to steal PINs or patterns, and supports VNC-style remote control while operating on the victim’s own device to evade anti-fraud systems. Three related builds—Octagon, Lifted Dreams, and BahrDate—were identified, with one variant displaying a visual novel to distract users while the spyware runs in the background. The campaign underscores the growing threat of sophisticated Android remote-access trojans sold on a subscription basis.

Octagon Android RAT Poses as Bahrain Emergency Alert App to Steal Credentials and Establish Persistent Surveillance

A remote access trojan named Octagon targets Android devices by masquerading as the official emergency alerts application from Bahrain. The infection begins when victims download the BH-Alert.apk file from phishing websites. The malware guides users through seven steps to grant dangerous permissions while using encrypted code hidden inside a font file extension to evade static analysis. It installs a secondary component called OctagonPanel and deploys mutual-monitoring surveillance services that restart each other if terminated. Additional persistence is achieved through boot receivers, a fake Android account, and scheduled synchronization tasks every 30 minutes. The trojan abuses the Accessibility Service to record unlock patterns, PINs, and passwords while also harvesting SMS messages, contacts, call logs, and screenshots. A criminal-controlled VPN allows interception and redirection of victim traffic.