Google removed 22 android apps from the Google Play Store that showed malicious behavior. These android apps collectively were downloaded 2 million times. The set also includes flashlight app, Sparkle Flashlight that was downloaded over a million times since it was made available on the Play Store virtually a year ago.
As per, blog post by antivirus provider Sophos, 19 apps, that were created available from June this year, enclosed from the start a device-draining backdoor that enabled them to download files from a server controlled by an attacker, without not the users information. However, Sparkle Flashlight and two other application were updated in March 2018 to add the backdoor.
Google is said to removes all 22 malicious android apps from the Play Store throughout the week of November 25. Andr/Clickr-ad is a well-organized, persistent malware that has the potential to cause serious damage to end users, as well as the entire Android ecosystem, the google blog post reads.
The malicious android apps apparently clicked on dishonest ads while not the user’s consent and were active even after they were force-closed, that caused the application to drain the phone’s battery and cause information overages. Furthermore, the devices are totally controlled by the C2 server and may potentially install any malicious modules upon the directions of the server, as per the post.
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Last month, Google removed thirteen android apps from the Play Store after a ESET security specialist Lukas Stefanko pointed out they were installing malware on devices. The apps all at once have reportedly been downloaded on over 5,60,000 Android devices.
The list of application which Google removes from the Play Store include:
Snake Attack,
Math Solver,
ShapeSorter,
Tak A Trip,
Magnifeye,
Join Up,
Zombie Killer,
Space Rocket,
Neon Pong,
Just Flashlight,
Table Soccer,
Cliff Diver,
Box Stack,
Jelly Slice,
AK Blackjack,
Color Tiles,
Animal Match,
Roulette Mania,
HexaFall,
HexaBlocks,
PairZap
In case you are using any of these application then it is advisable to uninstall right now.