Google Pulls 21 Malware Apps Posing as Bogus Versions of Real Apps

Sounds like a bogus app posing as Steamy Window is the least of our worried. That particular malware may do some damage if you install it, but at least you would never find it in the Android Market. That isn’t the case with a long list of 21 applications Google pulled last night (rather quickly, might I add) after being alerted to the malware that roots your device against your will using the rageinthecage exploit. This rooting is followed by the standard data snatching and open door for the download of even more malicious code.

Not only were the apps available directly from the Android Market, but they were designed to be easily confused with already popular games. Pirated APKs were infused with the malware then unleashed in the form of Chess, Scientific Calculator, and others. The unifying factor is that all were placed on the market under developer Myournet. Here is the full list:

It is rather disconcerting to see such a rise in malware as of late, but that is almost unavoidable given the popularity of Android and the openness of the system. Iit is one drawback of the platform, you could argue. The scariest part is malware apps of the past have remained outside of the actual Android Market, meaning for the most part users were protected from their bad deeds. Not so much the case anymore. Be careful what you download, check the ratings and comments, and mind the developer name and permissions. If anything looks suspicious, best to hold off.

[via Mashable]

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