Telecommunications Penetration Testing Guide

Phase 1: Planning & Reconnaissance

• 1.1
  Scope Definition: Define testing boundaries, systems, protocols, and attack vectors to be assessed
• 1.2
  Authorization: Obtain written permission, define rules of engagement, and establish communication channels
• 1.3
  Information Gathering: Collect network topology, operator codes (MCC/MNC), point codes, IP ranges, and protocol versions
• 1.4
  Threat Modeling: Identify potential attack vectors based on network architecture and deployed technologies

Phase 2: Vulnerability Assessment

• 2.1
  Protocol Analysis: Analyze SS7, Diameter, GTP, SIP, and SIGTRAN implementations for weaknesses
• 2.2
  Configuration Review: Assess firewall rules, filtering policies, and security controls
• 2.3
  Automated Scanning: Use tools like SigPloit, GTPScan, and SIPVicious for vulnerability discovery
• 2.4
  Manual Testing: Perform manual protocol fuzzing and edge case testing

Phase 3: Exploitation

• 3.1
  Proof of Concept: Develop controlled exploits to demonstrate vulnerability impact
• 3.2
  Privilege Escalation: Test for ability to gain elevated access or bypass security controls
• 3.3
  Lateral Movement: Assess ability to pivot between network segments and protocols
• 3.4
  Impact Assessment: Document potential business impact and data exposure risks

Phase 4: Post-Exploitation

• 4.1
  Data Collection: Gather evidence of successful exploitation (screenshots, logs, packet captures)
• 4.2
  Persistence Testing: Evaluate ability to maintain access over time
• 4.3
  Cleanup: Remove all testing artifacts and restore systems to original state

Phase 5: Reporting & Remediation

• 5.1
  Executive Summary: High-level overview of findings for management
• 5.2
  Technical Details: Detailed vulnerability descriptions with CVSS scores and reproduction steps
• 5.3
  Remediation Guidance: Specific recommendations for fixing identified vulnerabilities
• 5.4
  Retest Planning: Schedule follow-up testing to verify remediation effectiveness

Required Tools

• SigPloit - SS7 exploitation framework
• Wireshark with SS7 dissectors
• SS7MAPer - MAP protocol testing
• Custom SCCP/TCAP packet crafters

Test Cases

Required Tools

• GTPScan - GTP vulnerability scanner
• Scapy with GTP support
• Wireshark with GTP dissectors
• Custom GTP packet generators

Test Cases

Required Tools

• SIPVicious - SIP vulnerability scanner
• SIPp - SIP protocol testing
• Metasploit SIP modules
• RTPBleed - RTP stream manipulation

Test Cases

Required Tools

• SnoopSnitch - IMSI catcher detection
• Airprobe - GSM sniffing
• LTE Cell Scanner - 4G network analysis
• SIMtrace - SIM card protocol analysis

Test Cases

Report Structure

1. 1
   Executive Summary: Non-technical overview of findings, risk assessment, and business impact
2. 2
   Scope & Methodology: Testing boundaries, approach, tools used, and limitations
3. 3
   Findings Summary: Overview of all vulnerabilities with severity ratings
4. 4
   Detailed Findings: Technical description, reproduction steps, evidence, and CVSS scores
5. 5
   Remediation Recommendations: Specific, actionable steps to fix each vulnerability
6. 6
   Appendices: Raw data, packet captures, screenshots, and tool outputs

Vulnerability Severity Rating

Best Practices

• Use clear, professional language avoiding jargon where possible
• Include visual aids (diagrams, screenshots, network topology)
• Provide specific remediation steps, not just generic advice
• Include timeline for recommended fixes based on severity
• Reference industry standards (OWASP, NIST, 3GPP, GSMA)
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive data appropriately