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Topic: Android

Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

Summary: Twenty-six apps containing malware moved onto the Android Market over the weekend, according to Lookout Mobile Security.

Larry Dignan

By for Zero Day |

Twenty-six apps containing malware moved onto the Android Market over the weekend, according to Lookout Mobile Security.

In a blog post, Lookout said that it appeared that the malware was created by the same developers that launched DroidDream in March. Lookout added:

26 applications were found to be infected with a stripped down version of DroidDream we’re calling “Droid Dream Light” (DDLight). At this point we believe between 30,000 and 120,000 users have been affected by DroidDreamLight.

The malware compromises personal data and further highlights that Android's Wild West-ish marketplace can be a significant handicap. The last time around, Google pulled the Android apps with malware and uninstalled them from phones.

The 26 apps come from Magic Photo Studio, Mango Studio, E.T. Tean, BeeGoo and DroidPlus.

These apps have components that are launched during incoming voice calls. There's no need for a manual launch.

Google has to nail these malware apps down and block them at the gate. If not more curated efforts from the likes of Amazon are likely to be used.

Related:

Topics: Android, Google, Malware, Security

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26 comments
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  • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

    Handicap how? Each app clearly states what access it gives to your device.

    If you install it, you do it at your own risk. Stick to trusted publishers and apps and you would never have an issue.
    Droid101
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

      @Droid101 You're wasting your time man, these are people who would rather have the perception of Safety than Freedom.
      slickjim
      Reply Vote

      • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

        @Peter Perry
        And some would rather have the perception of freedom and no safety. Google is slowly constricting Android people are defending it because they have the freedom to do what Google allows.
        dhmccoy
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

        @Peter Perry
        what driod 101 said is absolutely right ,, on their own risk one should down the app an install,,actually there are plenty f apps and app publishers ,,,,,
        http://thenewscourier.blogspot.com/2011/06/google-faces-new-trouble-from-android.html
        TechExpert21
        Reply Vote

    • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

      @Droid101: Clear? By your standards, not everyone is technical. It's just a list of what it will give access too.

      Besides it's up to the OS to protect the user, not the user protect the OS.

      Why do both Microsoft and Apple ship their Desktop OS's with the firewall enabled? It shouldn't be needed, it's up to the user what they download and where they visit right?

      It's up to them to protect their users from themselves.
      bradavon
      Reply Vote

      • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

        @bradavon
        I can't help but notice that you contradicted yourself.
        "it's up to the OS to protect the user, not the user protect the OS"
        Then
        "it's up to the user what they download and where they visit"

        It's the responsibility of the user to protect their computer (Smartphone) from malware. You can have the best firewall in the world and still get malware/virus'/Trojans etc.. if your not careful.

        And this applies to all OS' mobile and desktop.
        dunners6
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

        @dunners6 The second one was a question, not a statement.
        abhinavkmr
        Reply Vote

    • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

      @Droid101 Funny... When that same advice was given to Mac users regarding how not to get MacDefender... everyone flipped out because it was "unreasonable" and the OS should be secure even when users get tricked into installing Malware.
      eak2000
      Reply Vote

      • Message has been deleted.

        TechExpert21
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

        @eak2000 Yeah, I was absolutely amazed at the hypocrisy when comparing the malware issues of OSX and the Android Market. It's estimated that 30K-120K individuals have been affected by DDlight, were that many affected by MacDefender? Honest question as I have not seen that stat. Of course there will probably be 10 articles about MacDefender for every article about DDLight.
        non-biased
        Reply Vote

    • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

      @Droid101

      You mean don't use anything open source. Sad...
      NoAxToGrind
      Reply Vote

    • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

      @Droid101 And how is the majority supposed to know who is a trusted publisher. I bet you are a droid developer aren't you.
      stevelaw_2000@...
      Reply Vote

    • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

      @Droid101 Never mind that this is supposed to be a trusted repository for Android Apps... whatever dude.
      athynz
      Reply Vote

    • Stick with "trusted publishers"

      @Droid101

      So what is the point of being "open" then? The apologies run high in your family. You have it. ....
      Bruizer
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

    "The last time around, Google pulled the Android apps with malware and uninstalled them from phones."
    Google, please teach MS that trick!
    cybr2th@...
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

      @cybr2th@... Windows mobile 7 has never gotten malware yet. Don't need to know what trick. They curate their store.
      tymiles
      Reply Vote

      • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

        @tymiles That's just like the Apple OS arguement. "There's no malware on our computers because no one has them."
        LarsDennert
        Reply Vote

      • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

        @tymiles
        yea! no one has a Win Mobile 7 phone. And no one write for one either. I have one and cant get the apps Droid or Ios has for that very reason.
        stevelaw_2000@...
        Reply Vote

  • RE: Malware sneaks by Google's Android Market gatekeepers again

    "These apps have components that are launched during incoming voice calls."
    I take back my complaints about the Samsung Galaxy Tab not having telephony.
    conchchowder
    Reply Vote

    • Message has been deleted.

      TechExpert21
      Reply Vote
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