In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, a new and sophisticated malware variant has emerged, known as Hannibal Stealer. This malicious software represents a significant advancement from its predecessors, Sharp and TX stealers, by incorporating enhanced evasion techniques and a broader range of data theft capabilities. Developed in C# for the .NET framework, Hannibal Stealer is engineered to extract sensitive information from various applications while employing multiple layers of obfuscation to evade detection.
Origins and Evolution
Hannibal Stealer is not an entirely new creation but rather a rebranded and improved iteration of earlier malware strains, specifically Sharp and TX stealers. This rebranding strategy appears aimed at circumventing bans and preserving revenue streams without introducing substantial innovation. The malware was first advertised on BreachForums on February 2, 2025, and has since been aggressively marketed across dark web platforms and Telegram channels, boasting nearly 10,000 subscribers. This extensive promotion suggests a coordinated multi-platform campaign to distribute the malware widely.
Technical Capabilities
Hannibal Stealer exhibits a modular architecture, allowing it to target a wide array of applications and data types. Its primary functionalities include:
– Credential Theft: The malware targets Chromium- and Gecko-based browsers, extracting login credentials and cookies. Notably, it bypasses advanced security features like Chrome’s Cookie V20 protection, enabling it to access sensitive browser data.
– Cryptocurrency Wallet Extraction: Hannibal Stealer aggressively targets cryptocurrency wallets, including popular options like MetaMask, Exodus, and Monero. It locates and extracts sensitive wallet files from desktop clients, posing a significant risk to cryptocurrency users.
– FTP Client Attacks: The malware infiltrates FTP clients such as FileZilla and Total Commander, compromising stored credentials and facilitating unauthorized access to remote servers.
– VPN Credential Theft: Hannibal Stealer collects VPN configuration files and credentials, potentially allowing attackers to access secure networks and intercept sensitive communications.
– Session Hijacking: The malware targets session data from applications like Steam, Telegram, and Discord, enabling attackers to hijack user sessions and impersonate victims.
– Clipboard Hijacking: Through a crypto clipper module, Hannibal Stealer monitors clipboard contents for cryptocurrency addresses and replaces them with addresses controlled by the attacker, redirecting funds during transactions.
Advanced Evasion Techniques
To evade detection and analysis, Hannibal Stealer employs several sophisticated techniques:
– Geofencing: The malware includes functionality to terminate its execution in specific countries, such as Russia and Belarus, likely to avoid legal repercussions and scrutiny from local authorities.
– Domain Matching: It prioritizes high-value targets by scanning stolen data for credentials linked to financial platforms like Binance and PayPal, focusing its efforts on more lucrative victims.
– Comprehensive Profiling: Hannibal Stealer gathers detailed hardware and network information, enhancing its effectiveness in targeting specific users and tailoring its attacks accordingly.
– Obfuscation and Impersonation: The malware disguises itself as legitimate browser components, using file metadata that closely resembles legitimate CefSharp browser modules. This includes mimicking company names and product versions to blend with normal system operations.
Command and Control Infrastructure
Hannibal Stealer maintains active command and control capabilities through a Django-based control panel, allowing threat actors to monitor infections and exfiltrate stolen data efficiently. This centralized dashboard enables operators to manage stolen logs, tokens, and screenshots, streamlining the exploitation process. Data is compressed into zip archives and exfiltrated either via a Telegram bot or through custom PHP-based private servers, reflecting a flexible and robust communication strategy.
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
Organizations should be vigilant in identifying potential signs of a Hannibal Stealer infection. Critical indicators of compromise include:
– SHA256 Hashes:
– f69330c83662ef3dd691f730cc05d9c4439666ef363531417901a86e7c4d31c8 (CefSharp.BrowsersSubprocess.exe)
– 251d313029b900f1060b5aef7914cc258f937b7b4de9aa6c83b1d6c02b36863e (CefSharp.BrowsersSubprocess.dll)
– Control Panel URLs:
– http://45.61.151[.60]/login/
– http://45[.]61.141.160:8001/login/
– www[.]hannibal[.]dev
Defensive Measures
To mitigate the risks posed by Hannibal Stealer, organizations should consider the following defenses:
– Implement Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solutions: Deploy EDR solutions with memory scanning and anomaly detection to identify malicious .NET activity and process injection from known malware loaders.
– Monitor for Anomalous Application Layer Activities: Configure EDR/XDR solutions to alert on unusual access patterns to sensitive directories (e.g., browser storage, VPN config paths) and unapproved usage of system utilities often abused by Hannibal Stealer variants.
– Block Known Indicators of Compromise (IOCs): Continuously update firewalls, proxies, and DNS filters to block IPs, domains, and file hashes associated with Hannibal Stealer and its delivery methods.
– Monitor and Alert for VPN and Browser Credential Access: Set up alerts on unauthorized access to browser login stores, crypto wallet directories, and VPN configuration paths within enterprise environments.
Conclusion
Hannibal Stealer exemplifies the modern evolution of information-stealing malware—modular, aggressively marketed, and persistently active across multiple platforms. While its codebase reveals minimal innovation compared to its predecessors, its expanded target set, efficient data exfiltration routines, and integration with a Django-based control panel make it a formidable tool in the cybercriminal arsenal. The use of geofencing, targeted domain matching, and modular collection mechanisms demonstrates a refined focus on monetizable assets. Moreover, the stealer’s active ecosystem, from installation services to public endorsement of hacktivist causes, highlights its dual role in financial cybercrime and ideological influence operations. Continued tracking of its infrastructure and evolution will be crucial for proactive defense and takedown efforts.
