HOMETHREATSDownPaper
APT / THREAT GROUP🕵️ ESPIONAGEADVANCED

DownPaper

2
aliases
Last seen:Mar 17, 2026

Intelligence Profile

DownPaper, sometimes delivered as sami.exe, is a Backdoor trojan. Its main functionality is to download

and run a second stage. This malware has been observed in campaigns involving Charming Kitten, an Iranian cyberespionage group.

Threat Analysis

DownPaper is a advanced-sophistication threat actor of undetermined national origin, engaged in cyber operations with a primary motivation of espionage.

The group's espionage-oriented operations suggest a state-sponsored or state-aligned mandate, typically focused on stealing intellectual property, government secrets, or military intelligence. Targets are usually selected for strategic value rather than financial gain.

Classified as an advanced threat actor, DownPaper likely develops or acquires zero-day exploits, employs custom malware toolchains, and demonstrates long-term persistence capabilities — hallmarks of a well-resourced operation consistent with nation-state backing.

External References

Quick Facts

TypeAPT / Threat Group
Motivation🕵️ espionage
Sophisticationadvanced
Aliases2

Also Known As

win.downpaperDownPaper

External Intelligence

Malpedia: win.downpaper

Research Links

Data sourced from Malpedia, Ransomware.live, RansomLook, and CTIWATCH OSINT collection. Actor attribution is based on available intelligence and may be incomplete.
DownPaper — APT / Threat Group | Threat Intelligence | CTIWATCH.COM