Red Team Operations Guide

Comprehensive guide to adversary simulation and realistic security testing for telecommunications networks

What is Red Teaming?

Red team operations simulate real-world adversaries to test an organization's detection and response capabilities. Unlike penetration testing, red teaming focuses on achieving specific objectives while evading detection, providing a realistic assessment of security posture.

Objectives

Test detection capabilities
Validate response procedures
Identify security gaps
Improve security posture

Scope

SS7/Diameter networks
GTP/GPRS infrastructure
VoLTE/VoWiFi services
SIM/eSIM systems

Duration

Planning: 2-4 weeks
Execution: 4-8 weeks
Reporting: 1-2 weeks
Total: 7-14 weeks

Red Team vs Penetration Testing

Aspect	Penetration Testing	Red Team Operations
Objective	Find vulnerabilities	Test detection & response
Scope	Specific systems/applications	Entire organization
Stealth	Not required	Essential
Duration	1-4 weeks	4-12 weeks
Awareness	IT team aware	Limited awareness
Reporting	Technical findings	Strategic assessment

Red Team Methodology

5-phase approach to adversary simulation

Phase 1: Planning & Reconnaissance

Define objectives, gather intelligence, and develop attack scenarios

Define engagement objectives and success criteria
OSINT gathering on target infrastructure
Network topology mapping and asset discovery
Threat actor profiling and TTP selection

Phase 2: Initial Access

Gain foothold in target network using realistic attack vectors

SS7 network access via roaming agreements
GTP tunnel establishment and exploitation
SIP trunk compromise and call injection
Social engineering for SIM swap access

Phase 3: Persistence & Lateral Movement

Maintain access and expand control across network infrastructure

Establish covert communication channels
Credential harvesting and privilege escalation
Network segmentation bypass techniques
Core network element compromise

Phase 4: Objective Achievement

Execute mission objectives while maintaining operational security

Subscriber data exfiltration simulation
Call/SMS interception demonstration
Service disruption capability proof
Billing fraud scenario execution

Phase 5: Reporting & Remediation

Document findings and provide actionable recommendations

Executive summary with business impact
Technical attack chain documentation
Detection gap analysis and recommendations
Remediation roadmap with priorities

Telecommunications Attack Chains

Realistic multi-stage attack scenarios

Attack Chain 1: Subscriber Surveillance

Critical

SS7 Network Access

Establish connection via compromised MVNO or roaming partner

Location Tracking

Send PSI/SRI messages to locate target subscriber

Call Interception

Redirect calls using UpdateLocation and InsertSubscriberData

SMS Interception

Capture SMS messages including 2FA codes

Attack Chain 2: Network Infiltration

Critical

GTP Tunnel Creation

Establish unauthorized GTP tunnel to core network

Network Reconnaissance

Map internal network topology and identify critical systems

Lateral Movement

Compromise additional network elements (HLR, HSS, PCRF)

Data Exfiltration

Extract subscriber database and configuration data

Attack Chain 3: Service Disruption

High

SIP Trunk Compromise

Gain access to VoIP infrastructure via weak authentication

Call Flooding

Generate high volume of malicious INVITE requests

Resource Exhaustion

Overwhelm SBC and media gateway resources

Service Outage

Cause widespread VoLTE/VoWiFi service disruption

Purple Team Exercises

Collaborative security improvement through red and blue team integration

Purple team exercises combine offensive (red team) and defensive (blue team) capabilities to improve detection, response, and overall security posture through collaborative testing and knowledge sharing.

Red Team Role

Execute realistic attack scenarios
Share TTPs and attack methodologies
Provide real-time attack indicators
Validate detection rule effectiveness

Blue Team Role

Monitor for attack indicators
Tune detection rules and alerts
Practice incident response procedures
Document gaps and improvements

Purple Team Exercise Framework

1.
Pre-Exercise Planning
Define objectives, select attack scenarios, and establish communication protocols
2.
Attack Execution
Red team executes attacks while blue team monitors and responds
3.
Real-Time Collaboration
Teams share observations and adjust tactics during exercise
4.
Post-Exercise Review
Joint analysis of detection gaps, false positives, and improvement opportunities
5.
Remediation & Validation
Implement improvements and re-test to validate effectiveness

Red Team Reporting

Comprehensive documentation of findings and recommendations

Executive Summary

High-level overview of engagement objectives and outcomes
Business impact assessment and risk quantification
Key findings and critical vulnerabilities
Strategic recommendations for leadership

Technical Analysis

Detailed attack chain documentation with timestamps
Tools, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used
Evidence and proof-of-concept demonstrations
Network diagrams and attack flow visualizations

Detection Gap Analysis

Undetected attack activities and blind spots
Detection rule effectiveness assessment
Response time and escalation analysis
SIEM/monitoring tool coverage gaps

Remediation Roadmap

Prioritized list of security improvements
Quick wins vs. long-term strategic initiatives
Implementation timeline and resource requirements
Success metrics and validation criteria

Report Delivery

Written Report: Comprehensive documentation with executive and technical sections
Executive Briefing: 30-60 minute presentation for leadership
Technical Debrief: Detailed walkthrough with security and operations teams
Remediation Support: Ongoing consultation during implementation phase

Ready to Test Your Defenses?

Red team operations provide the most realistic assessment of your telecommunications security posture. Contact us to discuss how adversary simulation can strengthen your defenses.

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