Let's begin by analyzing a simple Android-based malware application, called Android.Dogowar. This malware is a repackaged version of the Android gaming application Dog Wars, which was downloadable from a third-party app store and had to be manually installed on an Android device during analysis.
Dog Wars was a game where users could breed, train, and fight with virtual dogs. This game caused an outcry from animal rights protestors through public outcry and write-in campaigns. After these attempts seemed to have little effect on convincing the developers to discontinue the app, a group of protestors targeted end users to get their message across.
The original Dog Wars app (Beta 0.981) was repackaged as malware and placed on several third-party app stores for download.
During installation, the malware app requested that users grant SMS permission, among others.
Upon installation, the display icon of the malware looked almost identical to that of the legitimate...