is is possible to download minecraft through google play

Since the result of this evolution – a downloader – is able to download any sort of additional malware to the victim’s device, there is no reason to believe malware authors would stop at only displaying unwanted ads. However, it didn’t have any downloading functionality and, unlike the downloader analyzed in this article, the first version actually provided the user with real Minecraft mods. The original version used a similar interface and also demanded device administrator rights. Interestingly, this ad-displaying downloader is an evolved version of an app that was originally uploaded to Google Play in February.

The only actual function of the app and its module is to display ads – which now show up on the user’s device, interrupting their activity. Installing the module brings the user to a dead end – a static Minecraft-themed screen with no clickable elements.

The payload downloaded during the installation is detected by ESET as Android/Hiddad.DA. Simultaneously, a push notification informs the user that a “special Block Launcher” is needed in order to proceed with the installation.Īfter clicking the “INSTALL MOD” button, the user is prompted to install the additional module “Block Launcher Pro”, granting it several intrusive permissions (including device administrator rights) in the process. Once device administrator is activated, a screen with an “INSTALL MOD” button is displayed. When launched, the apps immediately request device administrator rights. Having no real functionality and displaying aggressive ads, the apps aren’t very popular among users – as shown in the poor ratings and widely negative reviews on Google Play. The module isn’t a part of the original app – it has to be downloaded from the web and manually installed by the user after launch. In this case, the component acts like a module necessary for installing the mods. Similar to the ad-displaying dropper we analyzed earlier in March, this trojan uses an additional component to display out-of-app advertisements. In the first category, 14 apps impersonating Minecraft mods with up to 80,000 installs have been discovered. The apps can be divided into two categories – the ad-displaying downloader detected by ESET as Android/ and fake apps redirecting users to scam websites, detected as Android/FakeApp.FG.Īltogether, the 87 fake mods reached up to 990,000 installs before we reported them on March 16th and 21st. Minecraft players have been exposed to scams and aggressive ads brought by 87 fake Minecraft mods recently spotted on Google Play.

Is is possible to download minecraft through google play