PSTN Security Testing

Explore vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and security assessment methodologies for Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN)

PSTN Network Security

PSTN Network Security

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) remains a critical infrastructure component worldwide. Understanding its security implications is essential for telecommunications security professionals.

Methodology
PSTN security testing approaches

Structured approaches to assess PSTN network security, from central office to subscriber testing.

Attack Vectors
Common PSTN vulnerabilities

Explore known attack vectors targeting PSTN infrastructure, from phreaking to signaling exploitation.

Switch Security
Central office vulnerabilities

Security assessment of telephone switches, PBX systems, and central office equipment.

Signaling Security
PSTN signaling vulnerabilities

Security assessment of PSTN signaling protocols including MF, DTMF, and in-band signaling.

PSTN Technology Overview

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the aggregate of the world's circuit-switched telephone networks that are operated by national, regional, or local telephony operators, providing infrastructure and services for public telecommunication.

PSTN has been the backbone of voice communications for over a century, evolving from manual switchboards to modern digital switching systems while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy equipment.

The security of PSTN networks involves multiple components:

  • Central office switch security
  • Signaling protocol security (MF, DTMF, SS7)
  • Trunk line security
  • Subscriber line security
  • PBX and key system security
  • Maintenance and testing interface security
PSTN Network Architecture

Common PSTN Security Challenges

Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

  • Legacy switch vulnerabilities
  • Weak authentication in maintenance interfaces
  • Signaling protocol exploitation
  • Physical access to central offices
  • Trunk line tapping and interception

Subscriber Vulnerabilities

  • Line tapping and wiretapping
  • PBX system vulnerabilities
  • Voicemail system exploitation
  • Caller ID spoofing
  • Toll fraud and unauthorized usage

PSTN Security Testing Areas

Signaling Security
  • MF and DTMF signaling analysis
  • SS7 protocol security assessment
  • In-band signaling exploitation
  • Blue box and red box techniques
Infrastructure Security
  • Central office security assessment
  • Switch configuration review
  • Maintenance interface testing
  • Physical security evaluation
Subscriber Security
  • PBX security assessment
  • Voicemail system testing
  • Line security evaluation
  • Toll fraud prevention
PSTN Security Resources
Essential tools and references

Security Tools

  • • PSTN analyzers
  • • Signaling testers
  • • Switch scanners
  • • Line monitors

Research Areas

  • • Signaling security
  • • Infrastructure vulnerabilities
  • • Subscriber security
  • • Legacy protocols

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Dive deeper into our comprehensive resources on PSTN security testing, vulnerabilities, and defensive strategies.

PSTN Security Testing