IT security company ESET has spotted an ad-displaying Trojan mobile app on Google Play which is tricking users into give it five stars in exchange for a false promise of ceasing the app's aggressive flood of ads, reports ZDNet.
This Android/Hiddad.BZ app is similar to a number of malicious ad-displaying apps which are using the technique of accumulating five star ratings to boost future downloads. Android/Hiddad.BZ was found present in seven versions of Google Play and had been installed by around 5,000 users.
Once downloaded, it is launched as Music Mania and asks for installation of a plugin Android. From then on, using several deceptive methods it takes command of the screen and floods it with ads, not allowing the user to close the screen unless given five stars.
Despite Google Play's Developer Policy, these malicious apps made it onto the legitimate Google Play store. Music Mania apps were pulled out, once the store was alerted to the Trojan.
Read more on ZDNet.