Fake Android Security Tools Harvest User Data


Tens of Android applications masquerading as security tools were found bombarding users with ads, tracking their location, and secretly harvesting user data, Trend Micro reports.

A total of 36 such applications were found in Google Play in early December, all of which executed the aforementioned unwanted behavior. The applications were posing as security utilities like Security Defender, Security Keeper, Smart Security, Advanced Boost, and more.

The offending applications, the researchers discovered, advertised a variety of capabilities, including scanning, cleaning junk, saving battery, cooling the CPU, locking apps, message filtering, WiFi security, and the like.

When first launched, the apps would hide from the device launcher’s list of applications and would also remove their shortcuts from the device screen. Thus, users would only see the notifications pushed by the apps, which would normally be alarmist security warnings and pop-up windows.

The apps were designed to hide their presence only on specific devices. They would not exhibit such behavior on Google Nexus 6P, Xiaomi MI 4LTE, ZTE N958St, and LGE LG-H525n, most likely because the tactic would not work on these devices or because they wanted to avoid additional scrutiny from Google Play.

Once up and running, the apps would bombard users with “security” notifications and other messages. However, most of the “detection” results displayed in the notifications are false, such as the reporting of all newly installed apps as being suspicious.

Some of these notifications would prompt users to take action on supposedly detected issues on the device. When the user clicks to perform the action, the app would display a fake animation to trick the user into believing that the app is working as intended.

While sending these notifications, however, the apps would also collect the victim’s private data, including specific location details. The collected data is then sent to a remote server.

In addition to pushing said notifications, the applications would also display advertisements to the user, in various different scenarios: after a notification to unlock the device screen or after the user is prompted to connect a charger.

Almost every user action triggers an ad, which suggests the apps were designed mainly for ad display and click fraud.

The security researchers also noticed that users are asked to sign and agree to a EULA (end-user license agreement), where details on the information gathered and used by the app are included. However, because the collection and transmission of personal data is not related to their functionality, these apps are still considered abusive.

These apps can upload to a remote server user information, details on the installed apps, information on attachments, user operational information, and data on activated events.

Additionally, the apps were observed collecting the Android ID, Mac address, IMSI, information about the OS, brand and model of the device, device specifics, language, location information, data on installed apps, and information on what permissions are granted or not.

Google has been informed on the behavior of these applications and has already removed them from Google Play.

Related: Google to Warn Android Users on Apps Collecting Data

Related: Majority of Android Apps Contain Embedded User-Tracking: Report

 

Copyright 2010 Respective Author at Infosec Island via Infosec Island Latest Articles "http://ift.tt/2CO5qqN"

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Evernote cuts staff as user growth stalls

Image
Note-taking app Evernote has fallen on hard times of late, culminating in its latest spate of job cuts impacting 15 percent of its workforce (54 employees). CEO Chris O' Neil -- an ex-Googler who took the reins in 2015 -- announced the firings at an all-hands meeting earlier today, reports TechCrunch . In a message on the Evernote blog , O' Neill admitted he'd set "incredibly aggressive goals" for the company in 2018. He continued: "Going forward, we are streamlining certain functions, like sales, so we can continue to speed up and scale others, like product development and engineering." The layoffs follow an exec exodus just weeks ago and the company's recent brand refresh (complete with a refined logo and wordmark). But critics are more concerned about its product, especially the free tier, which they claim lacks the perks to...
Read more

The best air conditioner

Image
By Liam McCabe This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter . When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here . After six summers of researching, testing, and recommending window air conditioners, we've learned that quiet and affordable ACs make most people the happiest—and we think the LG LW8016ER will fit the bill in most rooms. This 8,000 Btu unit cools as efficiently and effectively as any model with an equal Btu rating, and runs at a lower volume and deeper pitch than others at this price. Little extra features like a fresh-air vent, two-axis fan blades, and a removable drain plug help set it apart, too. The LG LW8016ER is a top choice for an office or den, and some people will find it quiet enough for a bedroom, too. If our main pic...
Read more

We won't see a 'universal' vape oil cartridge anytime soon

Image
Pre-loaded cartridges of cannabis concentrate are currently among the most popular means of consumption, and for good reason. They're discreet to use and easy to handle, a far cry from the dark days of 2016 when we had to dribble hash oil or load wax into narrow-mouthed vape pens by hand. But, frustratingly, an ever increasing number of oil cartridge manufacturers employ one-off design standards so that their products won't work with those of their competitors, thereby locking customers into proprietary ecosystems. We've already seen this with nicotine vaporizers -- which has a seen a massive rise in "pod systems" in the last few years, each outfitted with a unique canister and battery built to be incompatible with those of their competition. Is it too late for the burgeoning cannabis industry to set a universal standard for their product designs? ...
Read more