third-party app stores Archives

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

This Android malware poses as real apps to take you to dangerous sites and flood your phone with spam

A new variant of the Konfety malware targets high-end Android devices using sophisticated evasion techniques, including distorted APK files to avoid detection. This version disguises itself as legitimate applications, imitating popular apps on the Google Play Store. It employs an 'evil twin' tactic, emphasizing the need to download software only from trusted publishers and avoiding third-party APKs. The malware can redirect users to harmful websites, install unwanted software, and generate misleading notifications. It displays ads through the CaramelAds SDK and can exfiltrate sensitive data such as installed applications and network configurations. Konfety can conceal its app icon and name, using geofencing to alter behavior based on location, and employs an encrypted DEX file to hide services. To evade analysis, it manipulates APK files to appear encrypted, causing misleading prompts during inspection, and compresses critical files with BZIP, leading to parsing failures. Users are advised to avoid sideloading apps, ensure Google Play Protect is enabled, and consider installing a reputable antivirus to enhance security.

Tech Optimizer

June 27, 2025

ClickFix fake error message malware spikes over 500%, takes second place as the most abused attack vector

The ClickFix attack vector has increased by 517% since the latter half of 2024, becoming the second most exploited method for cyberattacks, following phishing. Hackers are using ClickFix to deploy various infostealing malware, including Lumma Stealer, VidarStealer, StealC, and Danabot. The ClickFix mechanism involves a counterfeit reCAPTCHA that misleads users into executing harmful Powershell commands. This method is primarily spread through phishing emails directing users to fraudulent websites. ESET’s Threat Report indicates that SnakeStealer has surpassed Agent Tesla as the most frequently detected infostealer, targeting businesses in the US and EU for credential theft. The ransomware landscape has been disrupted by internal conflicts among groups, with DragonForce launching defacement campaigns against other ransomware entities. On mobile devices, Kaleidoscope infections have caused a 160% increase in Android adware detections, and the SparkKitty malware has been found in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Kaleidoscope generates revenue through intrusive ads while infecting devices with a malicious app from third-party stores.

AppWizard

May 12, 2025

Beware: 2.5 Million Monthly Downloads of These Risky Android Apps Could Endanger Your Device!

The Kaleidoscope attack is an ad-fraud scheme targeting Android users by tricking them into downloading malicious versions of legitimate apps, primarily via third-party app stores. Approximately 2.5 million devices are infected each month, with notable occurrences in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil. Users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps and avoid downloading from unverified sources to protect their devices.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

These dangerous Android apps are installed 2.5 million times each month

Kaleidoscope is an ad-fraud attack targeting Android users by exploiting legitimate applications on the Google Play Store and offering malicious duplicates through third-party app stores. Approximately 2.5 million devices are affected monthly, with 20% of incidents occurring in India, and other impacted regions include Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil. Users unknowingly download legitimate-looking apps while malicious versions circulate elsewhere, leading to intrusive advertisements that disrupt user experience and generate revenue for cybercriminals. Google has removed flagged titles from the Play Store and is enhancing protections, but ad resellers often fail to properly vet their inventory. The adware causes device overheating, rapid battery drain, and sluggish performance, highlighting the need for user vigilance.

BetaBeacon

April 23, 2025

Xbox will soon let you purchase games in its mobile app

Xbox is now allowing beta testers to purchase games, DLC, and more directly from its app on Android and iOS. The update also includes the ability to sign up for Game Pass, but remote play within the Xbox app will no longer be available.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Hackers target Taiwan with malware delivered via fake messaging apps

Recent research from cybersecurity firm Sophos has identified the use of PJobRAT malware targeting users in Taiwan through instant messaging applications SangaalLite and CChat, which mimic legitimate platforms. These malicious apps were available for download on various WordPress sites, now taken offline. PJobRAT, an Android remote access trojan first identified in 2019, has been used to steal SMS messages, contacts, device information, documents, and media files. The recent cyber-espionage initiative lasted nearly two years, affecting a limited number of users, indicating a targeted approach by the attackers. The latest version of PJobRAT lacks the ability to steal WhatsApp messages but allows attackers greater control over infected devices. The distribution method for these apps remains unclear, but previous campaigns involved third-party app stores and phishing pages. Upon installation, the apps request extensive permissions and provide basic chat functionalities. Sophos researchers note that threat actors often refine their strategies after campaigns, suggesting ongoing risks.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

PJobRAT Android Malware Masquerades as Dating and Messaging Apps to Target Military Personnel

PJobRAT is an Android Remote Access Trojan that re-emerged in 2023, targeting users in Taiwan. Initially known for targeting Indian military personnel, it now disguises itself as benign apps like ‘SangaalLite’ and ‘CChat’, distributed via defunct WordPress sites operational from January 2023 to October 2024, with domain registrations dating back to April 2022. The malware is spread through counterfeit applications resembling legitimate messaging services, prompting users to grant extensive permissions. Enhanced capabilities allow it to execute shell commands, access data from any app, root devices, and communicate with command-and-control servers via Firebase Cloud Messaging and HTTP. The campaign appears to have concluded, highlighting the evolving tactics of threat actors. Users are advised against installing apps from untrusted sources and to use mobile threat detection software.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

PJobRAT makes a comeback, takes another crack at chat apps

In 2021, PJobRAT, an Android Remote Access Trojan (RAT), targeted Indian military personnel through deceptive apps. A new campaign was discovered in 2023, focusing on users in Taiwan, with malicious apps like ‘SangaalLite’ and CChat disguised as instant messaging applications. These apps were available for download from WordPress sites, which have since been taken down. The campaign began in January 2023, with domains registered as early as April 2022, and the latest sample detected in October 2024. The number of infections was low, indicating a targeted approach rather than a broad attack. The distribution methods remain unclear, but may involve SEO poisoning, malvertising, or phishing. Once installed, the apps request extensive permissions and feature basic chat functionality. Recent versions of PJobRAT have shifted from stealing WhatsApp messages to executing shell commands, allowing greater control over compromised devices. PJobRAT communicates with its command-and-control (C2) servers using Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) and HTTP, enabling the upload of various data types, including SMS, contacts, and files. The now inactive C2 server was located in Germany.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Get Rid of These 12 Android Apps That Secretly Record Your Conversations

Security researchers have identified malicious Android applications that invade user privacy by recording audio, intercepting messages, and stealing sensitive data without user consent. A cybersecurity firm, ESET, uncovered a cyber espionage operation that infiltrated Android devices through the Google Play Store and alternative app sources, initially involving six apps on the Play Store with over 1,400 downloads each before their removal. These deceptive apps, which masquerade as messaging services, embed malware capable of tracking user locations and harvesting personal information. Hackers employ tactics like “romance baiting” to trick users into downloading infected apps, such as those containing VajraSpy malware. Experts categorize these malicious apps into three groups: fake messaging apps that steal data, apps exploiting Android’s accessibility features, and a fake news app that harvests user data. A list of twelve flagged apps includes Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Chat, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat, which should be removed immediately. To protect against spyware apps, users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps, change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, run security scans, and stay informed about cybersecurity updates. Caution is recommended when downloading apps, including verifying developers, checking reviews, and avoiding third-party app stores.

AppWizard

March 12, 2025

Spyware in bogus Android apps is attributed to North Korean group

Researchers from Lookout have identified a malware strain named KoSpy, linked to North Korean state-sponsored hackers, specifically the advanced persistent threat group ScarCruft (APT37). KoSpy targets Android devices to surveil Korean and English-speaking users and has been found on the Google Play Store and third-party app stores, disguised as utility applications. The malware can harvest sensitive information, including call logs, text messages, files, audio recordings, screenshots, and user location data. Google has removed all infected applications from its platform, confirming that the latest version was taken down before installations occurred. KoSpy first emerged in March 2022, with new samples appearing as recently as last year. The applications associated with KoSpy often have Korean titles and support both English and Korean languages. KoSpy shares infrastructure with another North Korean hacking group, Kimsuky (APT43), which has conducted spearphishing attacks. ScarCruft has targeted South Korean users and expanded its reach to countries including Japan, Vietnam, Russia, Nepal, China, India, Romania, Kuwait, and several Middle Eastern nations. In January, ScarCruft was linked to an espionage campaign against media organizations and academics, and in October, it was connected to a malware operation in Southeast Asia.