Thursday, March 28, 2024

10 Million Android users Tricked to Install Fake Samsung Firmware Updates app

More than 10,000,000+ users tricked to download a fake app “Updates for Samsung” from the official Google play that is not affiliated with Samsung for distributing firmware.

The fake app exploits the complexity in finding the firmware updates for Samsung phones and using them for generating easy money.

Aleksejs Kuprins from CSIS Security Group published the report on the malicious behavior of the app; he also reported the fake app to Google Play.

Malicious App Behaviour

The app manages to trick the users believing it as an official application store for getting firmware updates for Android devices. It renders a blog updato[.]com that contains android related news and tutorials.

Users are allowed to search for their specific firmware version, and then app offers paid subscriptions to download the firmware. For an annual subscription, users need to pay $34.99, and the app does not use google subscription; instead, the payment was processed through updato[.]com API.

The screenshot indicates a free download option but “the download rate is limited to 56 KBps,” which tempts the user to make payment and to go for a premium package.

Aleksejs noted that “the app claims to offer SIM card unlocking for any network operator, starting at $19.99. Also not via GooglePlay subscription.”

“Although not malicious in the traditional meaning of that term “Updates for Samsung” does not seem to offer users much of value besides a lighter wallet and as such highlights the risks of ignoring the fine print.”

Users are recommended to use Samsung update feature that exists under settings >> Software update, instead of believing in shady apps. Most of the app reviewers indicated that the app is full of ads, buggy and even it freezes the phone.

You can follow us on Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook for daily Cybersecurity updates also you can take the Best Cybersecurity course online to keep yourself updated.

BianLian Android Banking Malware is Back with Screen Recording and SSH Server Capabilities

Android Security Update – Critical Vulnerabilities Let Hackers Control Your Android Phone Remotely

Website

Latest articles

2 Chrome Zero-Days Exploited at Pwn2Own 2024: Patch Now

Google has announced a crucial update to its Chrome browser, addressing several vulnerabilities, including...

The Moon Malware Hacked 6,000 ASUS Routers in 72hours to Use for Proxy

Black Lotus Labs discovered a multi-year campaign by TheMoon malware targeting vulnerable routers and...

Hackers Actively Exploiting Ray AI Framework Flaw to Hack Thousands of Servers

A critical vulnerability in Ray, an open-source AI framework that is widely utilized across...

Chinese Hackers Attacking Southeast Asian Nations With Malware Packages

Cybersecurity researchers at Unit 42 have uncovered a sophisticated cyberespionage campaign orchestrated by two...

CISA Warns of Hackers Exploiting Microsoft SharePoint Server Vulnerability

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has warned about a critical vulnerability in Microsoft...

Microsoft Expands Edge Bounty Program to Include WebView2!

Microsoft announced that Microsoft Edge WebView2 eligibility and specific out-of-scope information are now included...

Beware of Free Android VPN Apps that Turn Your Device into Proxies

Cybersecurity experts have uncovered a cluster of Android VPN applications that covertly transform user...
Guru baran
Guru baranhttps://gbhackers.com
Gurubaran is a co-founder of Cyber Security News and GBHackers On Security. He has 10+ years of experience as a Security Consultant, Editor, and Analyst in cybersecurity, technology, and communications.

Mitigating Vulnerability Types & 0-day Threats

Mitigating Vulnerability & 0-day Threats

Alert Fatigue that helps no one as security teams need to triage 100s of vulnerabilities.

  • The problem of vulnerability fatigue today
  • Difference between CVSS-specific vulnerability vs risk-based vulnerability
  • Evaluating vulnerabilities based on the business impact/risk
  • Automation to reduce alert fatigue and enhance security posture significantly

Related Articles