Hackers Uploaded 130 Malicious Apps on Google Play Store to Generate Illegal Revenue

Cyber Criminals uploaded around 130 malicious Android apps on Google play store that mimics as various well-known applications to generate illegal revenue by promoting paid mobile services.

Hackers distributing malicious trojan file as an official application on the “Eldorado” trade network via Google Play store using other software.

In this case, researchers uncovered two modified version of  Trojan from Google Play which displays annoying ads and malicious web pages to paid mobile services.

Almost 130 apps were detected that has developed by 44 developers and the criminals adding new malicious apps every day to target millions of Android users.

These detected malicious program which including many modified version of Trojan families that infect the victims mobile using various social engineering technique and malvertising campaign.

Also, it posed as the official programs of bookmaker companies, including “Olymp”, “Most bet”, “Fonbet”, “Liga stavok”, “1xBet, “Winline”, and others.

Two Instance Trojan Families Uploaded on Google Play

First one name as Android.Click.265.origin that used to download the mobile version of “Eldorado” online store on its window but during the running time it performed several malicious functions.

Once it installed on to the victims mobile then its shows various annoying ads leads to open users to access the paid mobile services and it also automatically clicked the subscription confirmation button on the opened webpage.

Also, the Trojan can load websites with premium content depending on the traffic distribution system (TDS) parameters of the C&C servers. So ever time victim’s mobile number is charged for using a high-priced service every day.

Another Trojan in the same list used for fraudulent premium services subscribing Android device owners.

According to Dr. Web Researchers, This Trojan opens one of the phishing websites where a user is invited to download a well-known program or to receive a reward. A potential victim is asked to provide their mobile number, which is supposedly required to receive a confirmation code.

“In reality, however, this code is required to confirm a subscription to a paid service. If an infected device uses a mobile network to connect to the Internet, an Android device owner is subscribed to a premium service automatically after the phone number has been entered on the fraudulent website.”

Once the malicious program launched, it connected to C&C server which downloads a website, also the Trojans request a malicious online portals links that leads to download other malicious programs.

“To take money from mobile device owners or to get other advantages, cybercriminals use various tricks and invent new scam schemes It is necessary to pay attention to the developer’s name, publication date, and reviews from other users. These simple measures can decrease the risk that the mobile device will become infected, Dr web said.”

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