Security experts have discovered new data-stealing malware disguised as a legitimate-looking back-up application on Google Play.
The Save Me app claims to be able to save a user’s contacts and – coming soon – other data including photos and videos, in the event that a mobile device is lost or stolen, according to mobile security vendor Lookout.
However, it actually contains a variant of information-stealing malware ‘SocialPath’, the firm’s senior security product manager, Jeremy Linden explained in a blog post.
It’s primarily distributed through spam via Twitter, WhatsApp and other social platforms with socially engineered messages designed to encourage users into clicking on a disguised download link.
One campaign apparently used the lure: “I found your private photos here [link] click to see.”
If a user makes the mistake of clicking through, the service will request information from the device – including name, email, phone number and even a photo of the user – before connecting to a C&C server and exfiltrating this and other data from the device, Linden explained.
This includes contacts, text messages, call logs and device information.
Although a logo appears on the phone launcher during the registration process, it vanishes once this is complete – thus enabling the malware to lie hidden on a device.
“Oddly, it also has the ability to call any number designated by the C&C and automatically hang up the call according to a timer,” Linden added.
“We are unsure what the authors use this functionality for, but we’ve seen similar tactics used as a revenue source — malware authors will call premium numbers to collect associated fees and make money. The malware then deletes the call records so as to hide its activities.”
Clues in the code point to Arabic-speaking attackers behind the malware, with the associated malicious spam links so far clicked on most often in Lebanon (29%), Sudan (19%) and Oman (11%).
Google has removed Save Me from its Play marketplace after being contacted by Lookout. However, the motivation for the malware campaign – whether political espionage, financially driven phishing, or something else – remains unknown.
SocialPath has also been spotted doing the rounds disguised as an online reputation management tool, Lookout claimed.
Thomas Labarte, European managing director at Lookout, explained that malware – like Bazuc and BadNews – found its way onto Google Play several times in 2014.
“Google is an extremely innovative company that continually pushes the bounds of online technology,” he told Infosecurity.
“However, while security is clearly a priority for Google it is not its core competency or focus.”