More than 100 apps discovered in google play with malicious code

Google Play has become a place where malicious applications roam freely. Now it has been discovered that hackers have managed to hide malicious code in a large number of applications. So many users have been exposed to malware identified as ExpensiveWall. There are already over 100 apps on that list.

More than 100 apps discovered on Google Play with malicious code

Additionally, it has been revealed that apps on Google Play were downloaded between 5.9 and 21.1 million times. Being the most downloaded Lovely Wallpaper, with between 1 and 5 million. Therefore, the potential number of victims that exists is really high.

How malicious code works

An analysis of the applications uploaded on Google Play has been carried out. These applications have been revealed to include malicious code to carry out a series of specific actions. In the first place, a collection of data was carried out from the user who downloaded the application. And the information is reported to a remote server.

ExpensiveWall then pings a remote server and receives commands that they execute in WebView. Among them is one that subscribes users to Premium SMS services. Also, the malware mimics the screen touches the user makes. It has also been revealed that the user only realizes that he has been infected when the monthly bill arrives.

Google has already confirmed that these applications have been removed from the Google Play Store. So there is currently no danger of downloading, although users who have downloaded them should be vigilant and delete them. Among the most popular apps on the list are: I Love Filter, Tool Box Pro, X WALLPAPER, Horoscope, X Wallpaper Pro, Beautiful Camera, Color Camera, Love Photo or Charming Camera.