Avast has confirmed that the antivirus SDK identified the Google Android app as malicious on certain Chinese smartphones.
In an announcement, the security giant said its software accidentally flagged the Google Quick Search Box app launcher as malware.
The Avast SDK powers the Huawei Optimizer app, admitting that “the antivirus Software Development Kit (SDK) for Android incorrectly flagged the Google Quick Search Box as malware on Huawei phones. This SDK powers the antivirus component of Huawei’s Optimizer app. app.”
Google Trojan?
The issue only occurred on Huawei devices outside China, as well as on a “small number” of Honor and Vivo devices, the company said, adding that “a fix was deployed on October 30 that completely resolved the issue.”
Users flocked to forums and social media platforms to report that a number of Chinese-built smartphones were displaying a strange warning message claiming that the Google Android app is malicious and should be removed immediately.
Reports claim that some Huawei, Honor and Vivo smartphones and tablets are all displaying a “security threat” warning, with the Google app detected as “TrojanSMS-PA”.
The details of the warning elaborated that the app secretly sends text messages and can cause material harm to the user: “It has been discovered that this app sends private text messages, entices users to pay with adult content, apps privately downloads/installs or steals private information. , which may cause property damage and privacy leaks,” the warning read. “We recommend removing it immediately.”
Google responded quickly, saying it had nothing to do with the warnings and that users should discuss the issue with the affected device vendors.
Through BleepingComputer