Operation Hanoi Thief: Vietnam APT
Essential information
- Published
- 28/11/2025 14:06
- Modified
- 21/12/2025 18:17
- Tags
- 2025-11-28 browser credentials dll sideloading information stealer it-professionals lotusharvest recruiters spear-phishing vietnam
- Related entities
- 4 observables, 12 techniques (mitre), 1 malware, 3 others
Description
A spear-phishing campaign dubbed 'Operation Hanoi Thief' is targeting Vietnamese IT professionals and recruitment teams. The attack uses a malicious ZIP file containing a fake resume and an LNK file. The LNK file executes a pseudo-polyglot payload, which deploys a C++ DLL implant called LOTUSHARVEST through DLL sideloading. This implant functions as an information stealer, harvesting browser credentials and history before exfiltrating data to attacker-controlled servers. The campaign employs anti-analysis techniques and abuses trusted Windows tools. While similarities with previous Chinese-origin campaigns exist, definitive state sponsorship attribution remains inconclusive. The operation primarily affects the Information Technology and Recruitment sectors in Vietnam.