Software Update Alters Android App into Malware, infecting Millions of Devices

An app running on android phone that was availed on Google Play turned to a malware that hijacked over 10 million devices. The app dubbed as Lavabird Ltd’s Barcode Scanner offered QR code reader and a barcode generator and had been installed on over 10 million mobile phones.

The app had been used for over years without any problem, until recently after it was updated. Multiple reports indicate that users started complaining about sudden adverts that started popping up on the screens of their devices.

In report published by Malwarebyte, the duration of the malware was not accurately predicted. However, preliminary analysis revealed that the software update that was creating discomfort to the users might have come into effect on December 4, 2020. Normally, ads are displayed on apps that are free of charge while premium apps do not display ads.

The issue was reported to Google by Malwarebytes, and the app has been pulled down from the Google Play. However, those who had already downloaded the app will still have it running on their devices. Users will have to uninstall the malicious app manually from their phones.

Malwarebytes, as quoted by ZDNet, noted that: “User get a free app, while the app developers and the ad SDK developers get paid. But every once in a while, an ad SDK company can change something on their end and ads can start getting a bit aggressive.”

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