Procolored Printer Drivers Spread Advanced Malware, Exposing Cryptocurrency and System Security Risks

Printer Driver Downloads Turn into Malware Gateways: A Hidden Cyber Threat

In a digital world where printer drivers are often taken for granted, a startling discovery has shaken the confidence of thousands of users. Procolored, a well-known Chinese manufacturer of UV printers, has come under fire for unknowingly distributing malware-infected software through its official driver downloads. This cyber incident didn’t just target a handful of obscure models—it hit flagship devices like the F8, F13, V6, V11 Pro, and VF13 Pro. The danger was first uncovered by YouTuber Cameron Coward, who found that instead of just installing printer utilities, the downloaded drivers triggered serious antivirus alerts.

What seemed like a false alarm soon escalated into a full-blown cybersecurity nightmare. Behind the scenes were two potent malware families—XRed and SnipVex—each with its own terrifying capabilities. From silently logging keystrokes to hijacking cryptocurrency transactions, these malicious programs leveraged legitimate software as their disguise. The infected drivers remained online for months, quietly threatening the systems and digital wallets of unsuspecting users.

30-Line Digest: How Procolored Printer Drivers Became a Trojan Horse for Cybercrime

Procolored, a printer manufacturer based in China, became the unsuspecting host for a complex malware campaign after distributing infected printer drivers through its official website. The breach affected several printer models including the F8, F13, V6, V11 Pro, and VF13 Pro. Technology YouTuber Cameron Coward initially flagged the issue when antivirus software detected malware during a printer driver installation for a \$6,000 UV printer.

Further analysis revealed the presence of two distinct malware strains embedded in the installation files: the XRed backdoor (Win32.Backdoor.XRedRAT.A), and a .NET-based clipbanker named SnipVex (MSIL.Trojan-Stealer.CoinStealer.H). XRed is a remote access Trojan capable of capturing keystrokes, executing commands, stealing files, and taking screenshots. Although its control servers have gone offline since early 2024, its damage potential remains significant.

SnipVex, the more dangerous of the two, was built to steal cryptocurrency. It monitors clipboard activity and swaps any Bitcoin wallet address with the hacker’s, thereby hijacking transactions. It also infects executable files while avoiding system and temporary folders to stay under the radar. Experts believe SnipVex spread internally through Procolored’s software development systems due to weak endpoint protection.

The infected drivers were distributed via mega.nz links on Procolored’s support page, and malware was confirmed in at least 39 unique driver files. The financial fallout includes over \$100,000 in stolen Bitcoin linked to SnipVex’s activity. Initially, Procolored denied any issues, blaming false positives. However, the company later admitted to the infection and removed the malicious packages from their site.

Procolored has since pledged to scan future releases before distribution and has supplied clean versions to impacted users. Still, the damage lingers. Security professionals strongly advise full operating system reinstalls for anyone infected. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking within supply chains and underscores the importance of rigorous security practices in software development.

What Undercode Say: A Deep Dive into the Procolored Malware Breach

This Procolored incident offers a textbook case of how fragile the software supply chain can be—and how catastrophic the consequences become when it’s breached. What makes this case especially alarming is not just the malware itself, but the vectors used and the scale of distribution.

Let’s start with intent and negligence. Procolored didn’t develop the malware, but its lack of stringent security protocols allowed the infection to embed itself deeply into its official software. This suggests either a complete absence of endpoint detection or a flawed release process where external USB-based development tools, known vectors for malware, were used without proper isolation.

The use of mega.nz as a hosting platform further adds to the controversy. Cloud-based storage is convenient, but it’s a risky place to host critical driver downloads. Companies must understand that linking essential files to third-party platforms without strict validation opens a huge attack surface.

Technically, both XRed and SnipVex are formidable threats. XRed’s functionality mimics many nation-state backdoors, allowing full control over infected machines. Fortunately, its command-and-control servers are no longer active, limiting real-time threats. However, its ability to silently log keystrokes and access sensitive files means the data harvested could still be in circulation on the dark web.

SnipVex, on the other hand, is actively damaging. It’s a sophisticated clipbanker that alters clipboard content in real-time, specifically targeting cryptocurrency transactions. By replacing Bitcoin addresses with the hacker’s wallet, victims unknowingly send funds to the attacker. With \$100,000 already laundered through this method, the financial impact is undeniable.

Equally disturbing is the file infection technique used by SnipVex. By prepending itself to legitimate executables and skipping critical system folders, it ensures both stealth and resilience. This makes typical virus removal tools ineffective. A full OS reinstall is often the only safe option.

The breach has broader implications beyond Procolored. It highlights a systemic issue in how software, especially drivers and firmware, are handled and distributed. Developers and companies need to treat every build as a potential security target. Regular integrity checks, endpoint protection on development machines, sandboxing, and multi-layered validation are no longer optional—they are mandatory.

For users, this incident is a call to stay vigilant. Always scan downloaded drivers, even from trusted sources. Avoid installing software from manufacturers using third-party hosting without checksum verification. And most importantly, monitor cryptocurrency transactions carefully, especially if your system has behaved oddly or shown unusual antivirus alerts.

Fact Checker Results ✅

The malware infections were confirmed by independent researchers and not just antivirus tools.
Over \$100,000 in stolen crypto is verified by tracking wallets linked to SnipVex 🪙
Procolored has acknowledged the breach and taken down the infected drivers from its official channels 🛡️

Prediction: What Comes Next for Procolored and the Supply Chain Security Crisis

This incident is likely just the beginning of deeper scrutiny into device manufacturers’ software hygiene. As more IoT and hardware vendors come under pressure, we can expect regulatory demands for software validation, especially in sectors dealing with firmware, drivers, and USB utilities. Procolored may recover its reputation if it commits to real reforms and third-party audits, but other manufacturers will likely face similar exposures unless they act fast.

As for malware like SnipVex, we predict that similar crypto-targeting threats will rise, especially using clipboard hijacking methods. With cryptocurrency regaining momentum in 2025, attackers will continue focusing on this digital cash flow with evolving malware strains designed for stealth and financial theft.