A newly identified malware campaign called SparkCat has been found targeting both Google Play and Apple's App Store, marking the first documented instance of an OCR-based cryptocurrency stealer affecting iOS. Discovered by Kaspersky, the malware has been active since March 2024 and has amassed over 242,000 downloads. It poses a significant threat by specifically targeting cryptocurrency wallet recovery phrases stored in images, with users in Europe and Asia being particularly affected. SparkCat embeds itself within the development kits of various malicious applications, disguising itself as legitimate modules. On Android, it impersonates the analytics tool "Spark," while on iOS, it mimics components named "GZIP" or "googleappsdk." This stealthy behavior allows the malware to avoid detection. The malware leverages Google ML Kit's OCR capabilities to scan image galleries, searching for screenshots or notes containing sensitive mnemonic phrases linked to cryptocurrency wallets. This data is transmitted to attacker-controlled servers through encrypted channels, potentially utilizing Amazon cloud storage or a Rust-based protocol. SparkCat remains discreet by only accessing the gallery during specific user actions, such as when initiating support chats. The malware has been found in applications spanning food delivery services, AI messaging platforms, and cryptocurrency utility tools. Its cross-platform functionality and sophisticated use of Rust highlight the technical expertise behind its development. Security experts recommend uninstalling suspicious apps, performing antivirus scans, and securely encrypting sensitive information. The use of hardware wallets for cryptocurrency storage is also advised. While Google and Apple have been notified, some infected apps may still be available for download.
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