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Introduction:
In a stunning revelation that has rocked the digital printing world, software bundled with Procolored printers was found to be carrying serious malware threats for over six months. This malware included a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) and a stealthy cryptocurrency stealer, raising alarming questions about supply chain integrity, vendor responsibility, and consumer cybersecurity. As Procolored continues to expand globally, this breach casts a shadow over one of the industry’s fastest-growing names. The discovery, sparked by a vigilant user and backed by expert analysis, reveals how deeply vulnerable trusted software downloads can be — even from official sources.
Malware Hidden in Procolored Printer Software: A 6-Month Breach in Review
Procolored, a China-based manufacturer known for affordable Direct-to-Film (DTF), UV, and Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printers, unwittingly shipped malware in its official software for at least half a year. The issue was brought to light when Cameron Coward, a YouTuber and tech reviewer, experienced alerts from his security software after attempting to install drivers for a \$7,000 Procolored UV printer. The malware in question was initially dismissed by Procolored as a false positive.
Seeking clarity, Coward turned to the Reddit community. That’s when cybersecurity expert Karsten Hahn from G Data stepped in, conducting a detailed analysis. His findings were startling: at least six printer models — including the V11 Pro, F13, VF13 Pro, and others — had accompanying software hosted on Mega.nz, and 39 files among them were infected.
The malware included XRedRAT, a Remote Access Trojan capable of spying, keylogging, remote command execution, and file theft. Also found was a novel crypto clipper named SnipVex, which hijacks clipboard functions to steal Bitcoin transactions by altering wallet addresses. Notably, SnipVex has already funneled nearly 9.3 BTC (about \$1 million) to a wallet controlled by cybercriminals.
All signs point to an infected USB drive used by Procolored staff as the likely source of the malware. The software was last modified in October 2024, suggesting the breach began around that time. In response to the mounting evidence, Procolored eventually took down the infected packages from its site on May 8 and began a cleanup operation. Clean versions of the software were later verified by G Data.
While Procolored confirmed its internal systems were undergoing thorough scans, the company has yet to officially inform customers of the breach. Experts now recommend all affected users immediately uninstall older versions, replace them with the newly cleaned software, and perform deep system scans to eliminate residual malware — especially due to SnipVex’s ability to modify binaries.
What Undercode Say:
This case is more than a routine cybersecurity slip-up — it’s a prime example of how deeply software supply chains can be compromised, even by vendors who operate globally and appear trustworthy. Procolored’s incident underlines several critical flaws in the way digital printing hardware is distributed and maintained.
First, the use of unsecured file-sharing platforms like Mega.nz by a professional hardware manufacturer is a red flag. When companies rely on external, publicly accessible file hosts, they introduce countless vulnerabilities. It’s not just about malware — it’s about the possibility of tampered updates, spoofed links, or even complete hijacks of download resources.
Second, the initial denial by Procolored signals a troubling gap in cybersecurity awareness within the organization. False positives are common, yes — but when multiple independent systems flag your software, and users from different machines report the same issue, a robust response should involve immediate validation and transparency, not deflection.
Third, this issue reveals the growing sophistication of malware like SnipVex. Unlike traditional viruses, SnipVex operates subtly, injecting itself into binaries and replacing clipboard content. This kind of behavior is notoriously hard to detect without behavioral analysis tools, making it a silent but powerful threat — particularly for users who manage crypto assets on their machines.
Moreover, the incident raises critical concerns for businesses using Procolored printers. Many are small businesses in apparel or design who rely on these printers for commercial production. Infection by malware like XRedRAT can mean stolen intellectual property, surveillance of business operations, and even ransomware scenarios if not dealt with thoroughly.
The supply chain attack also highlights the need for improved vendor accountability. Users had to rely on a YouTuber and Reddit community to uncover and analyze a major security issue. Procolored’s failure to issue immediate public warnings and provide recovery instructions may have left thousands at risk unnecessarily.
Cybersecurity is no longer optional — even for hardware vendors. Every company distributing software must implement secure build processes, automated malware scans, and controlled distribution methods. Failing to do so not only endangers customers but also damages long-term brand credibility.
Lastly, the incident serves as a powerful reminder for end users: always scan third-party software, even when downloaded from an official source. Trust is good — verification is better.
Fact Checker Results:
✅ Malware was confirmed by cybersecurity experts at G Data
✅ 39 infected files were found across six Procolored printer models
✅ Cryptocurrency stealer SnipVex collected nearly 9.3 BTC (\~\$1M) 🪙🧪🔐
Prediction:
As a result of this incident, expect Procolored to overhaul its software distribution practices. The company may shift to a secure cloud infrastructure, implement stricter internal policies, and possibly face scrutiny or regulatory investigation in certain countries. On a broader scale, this breach could trigger industry-wide changes in how printer software is packaged and delivered, leading to tighter integration of cybersecurity checks before deployment.
References:
Reported By: www.bleepingcomputer.com
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