cross-platform development

Cybercriminals are using legitimate software tools to create deceptive Android applications that steal sensitive user information. McAfee's findings indicate that hackers are exploiting the .NET MAUI framework to develop sophisticated malware that can evade traditional antivirus detection. The malware uses a multi-stage dynamic loading process, incrementally loading and decrypting code, making it difficult for security software to identify the applications' true nature. Hackers add extraneous settings and permissions to confuse security scanners and use encrypted communications for data transmission instead of standard internet requests. These malicious applications are not found in reputable app stores like Google Play but are distributed through unofficial app stores, often accessed via phishing links. Examples include a counterfeit banking app and a fraudulent social networking service targeting the Chinese-speaking community. The main goal of these apps is to secretly extract user data and send it to the attackers' servers. Users are advised to download apps only from official repositories and to be cautious by reviewing user feedback before installation.