The threat landscape has been disrupted by the emergence of Hannibal Stealer, a highly modular .NET-based infostealer leveraging advanced stealth and obfuscation strategies.
Security analysts have dissected recent samples, revealing a comprehensive suite of anti-detection, data collection, and exfiltration capabilities pointed at a spectrum of targets ranging from browsers and cryptocurrency wallets to VPNs, cloud storage, and communication platforms.
Modular Architecture Enables Deep Data Theft
A core strength of Hannibal Stealer lies in its stealth engineering and multi-layered obfuscation mechanisms.
At its core, it embeds a custom decryptor within the malware sample, which utilizes Windows APIs like bcrypt.dll for AES-GCM decryption of its configuration and payloads.
This self-decryptor, coupled with extensive process injection routines-primarily through DLL injection-enables the loader to infiltrate legitimate applications, masking its presence among genuine processes.
DLLs such as CefSharp.BrowserSubprocess.dll are mimicked with modified version numbers and file metadata, exploiting legitimate trust to slip past casual inspection and some security monitors.
The malware showcases modularity, allowing the operator to selectively activate components for browser credential theft, wallet exfiltration, VPN configuration theft, and more.
Asynchronous method execution enhances both throughput and stealth; tasks such as data extraction from browser stores (Chromium- and Gecko-based) are launched as independent threads, making activity less traceable and improving performance on compromised hosts.
Hannibal Stealer aggressively targets an array of digital wallets (e.g., Armory, Atomic, Electrum, Ethereum) by scanning user directories, copying key files, and even querying the registry for sources like Bitcoin Core.
Its credential-harvesting routines pull data not just from browsers, but also from applications including Discord, Steam, FileZilla, and popular VPNs.
Clipboard hijacking functionality is present, enabling the malware to intercept and replace copied cryptocurrency addresses, a classic but effective method for redirecting funds.
Exfiltration Techniques Identified
Evasion tactics are methodical and multi-pronged. The malware performs geofencing checks, terminating execution if it detects the victim resides in CIS countries, a common practice to avoid heat from local law enforcement.
Anti-analysis workflows are deployed via runtime API resolution; for example, dynamic calls to system functions such as MessageBoxW are prepared, inhibiting static detection.
Enumeration of installed applications, running processes, and capturing system/user details further enhance Hannibal Stealer’s ability to evade sandboxes and profile its environment.
Exfiltration leverages both Telegram’s messaging API (for anonymity and resilience) and attacker-controlled private servers.
Data including credentials, wallet contents, VPN configs, and even screenshots and file grabs from Telegram and Downloads directories are packaged-often in JSON format-and sent to command-and-control infrastructure.
According to the Report, file exfiltration is carefully counted and logged, indicating batch processing logic typical of professional cybercrime tools.
Configuration management is sophisticated, employing encrypted JSON blobs to store operation parameters, function references, and exfiltration endpoints.
Key-generation routines, randomly assembling passwords and tokens, are present for both local obfuscation and network operation security.
The malware even fingerprints network environments by resolving the MAC address of the default gateway router, information that can be used for geolocation, targeted attacks, or selective payload activation.
Evidence further suggests that Hannibal Stealer’s operators continuously update code obfuscation, asynchronous execution patterns, and configuration encryption to maintain their advantage against both endpoint security and forensic analysis.
The presence of hardcoded C2 addresses, YARA-detectable strings, and complex internal logic underscores its ongoing evolution.
Hannibal Stealer is a state-of-the-art threat, distinguished by its modular build, deep integration with credential sources, and overpowering stealth tactics.
Organizations are urged to upgrade detection signatures, monitor outbound traffic for anomalies, and enforce rigorous endpoint security hygiene to defend against this rapidly evolving infostealer.
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