“Craftsart Cartoon Photo Tools,” one of the most popular mobile apps on the official Google Play store, has registered more than 100,000 downloads. However, the app is actually infected with Facestealer Android malware.
The app, which pretends to be a legitimate photo editor, was deemed somewhat safe by Pradeo’s security experts. Through a variety of filters, it can be used to convert photos into cartoons or painting-style images.
Facestealer steals Facebook credentials by using social engineering and connects to a Russian server. Google Play has often exposed Facestealer as a threat via trojanized apps since it’s a known threat.
However, Google Play has been informed about this discovery by Pradeo analysts, who advise users to delete the app immediately.Â
Infected App Profile
- App Name: Craftsart Cartoon Photo Tools
- App URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.craftstoon.cartoonphoto
- App ID: com.craftstoon.cartoonphoto
- Version: 1.0.1
- Downloads: 100,000+
In order to reach a wide array of people and conceal its illegal activities, this application is hosted on Google Play as well as third-party application stores.
Credential Collection
Upon launching the application, users are directed to a Facebook login page with instructions on how to log in. In case, if they do not log in, the application cannot be used.
But, once logged in, the username and password are automatically sent to a server controlled by the cybercriminals. Later, in multiple ways, the cybercriminals compromise the accounts by using the stolen Facebook credentials.
Link with Russia
Apart from this, a domain registered in Russia is connected to Craftsart Cartoon Photo Tools. While as a common practice among cybercriminals, repackaging mobile apps is a common way to maintain an online presence.
Several malicious mobile applications have been available on Google Play at some times in the past and later deleted. But, this domain has been in use for 7 years on and off.
Moreover, there is no two-, three- or four-star rating for Craftsart Cartoon Photo Tools. Most of the reviews are one-star ratings, with a few fake five-star ones.
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