How to get rid of ZigCryptoStealer Malware

What kind of malware is ZigCryptoStealer?

ZigCryptoStealer is a cryptocurrency-stealing malware written in the Zig programming language. It works as a clipper - it watches the Windows clipboard and, when the victim copies a cryptocurrency wallet address, quietly swaps it for an address that belongs to the attacker. Payments the victim thinks are going to an exchange, a merchant, or a friend end up in the cybercriminals' wallet instead.

According to research published by Cisco Talos, ZigCryptoStealer was delivered as a secondary payload in a multi-stage attack that starts with a fake Google CAPTCHA and a ClickFix lure. The chain first installs the Amatera stealer, which then downloads ZigCryptoStealer together with a component that shuts down security software.

ZigCryptoStealer overview

ZigCryptoStealer keeps polling the clipboard and recognizes several cryptocurrency address formats. When it spots one, it replaces the copied address with one of the addresses embedded in the malware. Wallet addresses are long strings of random-looking characters, so most people paste them without checking every symbol, and that is exactly what this type of malware relies on.

It is worth noting that cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed. Once funds are sent to the wrong cryptocurrency wallet, there is essentially no way to get them back, so a single swapped paste can cost the victim a significant amount of money.

How ZigCryptoStealer hides and communicates

ZigCryptoStealer does not run as a separate program that would be easy to spot. The loader that delivers it starts a copy of the legitimate Windows Explorer process (explorer.exe) in a suspended state, places the malicious code inside it, and then lets it continue. In Task Manager, it simply looks like a normal part of Windows.

Rather than keeping the address of its Command and Control (C2) server inside the file, ZigCryptoStealer reads it from a smart contract on BNB Smart Chain, a public blockchain. The request is disguised as a routine token balance check, but the contract actually returns a domain name set by the operator.

This technique, known as EtherHiding, makes the infrastructure hard to take down, since data stored on a blockchain cannot simply be deleted. VMRay has previously documented ZigCryptoStealer variants using BNB Smart Chain contracts in the same way.

Talos noted that the operator updated the contract 39 times between March and July 2026, rotating through six different C2 domains in July alone. DNS lookups for the most recent domain came from 98 countries, most often the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, India, and Egypt, which suggests the campaign is not limited to one region.

Security software termination

The loader that launches ZigCryptoStealer also carries a legitimately signed but vulnerable Windows driver (DCRCVDrv.sys). It goes through the list of running processes, compares them with a built-in list of endpoint detection and response (EDR) products and other security tools, and uses the driver to forcibly close every match.

Because the driver runs with the highest level of system privileges, security programs have a hard time protecting themselves from being shut down this way. This approach is often called BYOVD (Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver), and it leaves the computer open to ZigCryptoStealer and anything else the attackers decide to run.

Other malware delivered in the same attack

ZigCryptoStealer is rarely the only threat on an infected system. In the chain analyzed by Talos, it was downloaded by the Amatera stealer. One of the Amatera builds examined was configured to collect browser data, Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp data, over 100 desktop wallet locations, and credentials from password managers, authenticator apps, FTP clients, VPN software, and remote-access tools.

The same Amatera infection also pulled down a Go-based tool that turns the victim's computer into a proxy. This lets the attackers route their own internet traffic through the victim's connection, hiding their real location. In a parallel chain, Amatera was instead told to install an unauthorized copy of NetSupport Manager, a remote-access tool that gives operators control over the PC.

Conclusion

ZigCryptoStealer targets one of the few online actions that cannot be undone - sending cryptocurrency. A single swapped address can wipe out the victim's funds, and since it arrives alongside the Amatera stealer, a proxy tool, and a driver that shuts down security software, an infected computer is likely compromised in several ways at once. It should be removed immediately. More examples of clippers are Atlas, Laplas, and Keona.

How did ZigCryptoStealer infiltrate my computer?

Talos observed the ZigCryptoStealer chain starting on compromised websites. A malicious script injected into the site (known as ClearFake) pulls additional code from BNB Smart Chain and checks whether the visitor is using Windows or macOS. Windows visitors are then shown a fake Google CAPTCHA-style box asking them to complete verification steps.

The fake check tells the visitor to press Win+R, paste with Ctrl+V, and press Enter. The page has already placed a malicious command in the clipboard, so following these steps runs it. This is a typical ClickFix lure. The command fetches a disguised DLL file (pf.ch) over WebDAV and runs it, which launches the Amatera stealer in memory.

Amatera then contacts its server and receives instructions to download a ZIP archive. The archive contains a legitimate Google Chrome component (platform_experience_helper.exe) and a malicious Secur32.dll file that the Chrome component loads automatically, a trick called DLL side-loading. The malicious DLL then launches ZigCryptoStealer and the driver used to kill security software.

Outside this campaign, cybercriminals spread malware through phishing emails, fake download pages, pirated software and cracks, malicious ads, fake software updates, and P2P networks. Malicious files are usually executables (EXE, MSI), archives (ZIP, RAR), documents, scripts, or shortcut (LNK) files.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Never copy and paste commands from a website into the Run dialog, PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Terminal. Real CAPTCHA checks never ask you to do this, so treat any such request as an attack. Be careful with unexpected emails and messages, and do not open attachments or links unless you are sure they are safe. Download software only from official websites or app stores, and avoid cracks, key generators, and pirated programs.

When sending cryptocurrency, always compare the pasted wallet address with the original, checking more than just the first and last few characters. Keep your operating system and applications updated, ignore suspicious ads and pop-ups, and use reputable security software with regular scans. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Fake Google CAPTCHA (ClickFix) page used to deliver ZigCryptoStealer (source: talosintelligence.com):

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

• What is ZigCryptoStealer?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of ZigCryptoStealer malware.
• STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.

How to remove malware manually?

Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically. To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:

If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:

Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:

Restart your computer into Safe Mode:

Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup.

Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings".

Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".

In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.

In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.

Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.

You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".

After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.

Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.

These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software. To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My computer is infected with ZigCryptoStealer malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Formatting will get rid of ZigCryptoStealer, but it also erases every file on the drive. In most cases, it is better to start with a full scan using a reputable security tool such as Combo Cleaner and keep formatting as a last resort.

What are the biggest issues that ZigCryptoStealer malware can cause?

The main risk is losing cryptocurrency, since funds sent to a swapped address cannot be recovered. ZigCryptoStealer also arrives with other malware that steals passwords and wallet data, turns the PC into a proxy, and disables security software, which can lead to account hijacking, identity theft, and further infections.

What is the purpose of ZigCryptoStealer malware?

The purpose of ZigCryptoStealer is to replace cryptocurrency wallet addresses copied to the clipboard with addresses controlled by the attacker, so the victim unknowingly sends their funds to the cybercriminals.

How did ZigCryptoStealer malware infiltrate my computer?

In the campaign documented by Cisco Talos, victims visited a compromised website that showed a fake Google CAPTCHA. Following its instructions ran a hidden command (a ClickFix lure) that installed the Amatera stealer, which then downloaded ZigCryptoStealer. Malware like this is also spread through phishing emails, fake download sites, pirated software, and malicious ads.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes. Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most known malware, including clippers like ZigCryptoStealer. Since advanced threats can hide inside legitimate Windows processes, running a full system scan is recommended so nothing is missed.