4G Security

4G Network Security Attacks

Comprehensive resources on 4G/LTE network security vulnerabilities, attack methodologies, and exploitation techniques for security professionals.

Pentesting Methodology Interactive Attack Flows

4G Security Attack Resources

4G Pentesting Methodology

Systematic approach to assessing the security of 4G networks, including planning, reconnaissance, vulnerability analysis, exploitation, and reporting.

Planning and Reconnaissance
Vulnerability Analysis
Exploitation Techniques
Post-Exploitation Assessment
Reporting and Remediation

Explore Methodology

4G Attack Vectors

Comprehensive analysis of various attack vectors targeting 4G networks, including radio interface, core network, and signaling protocol vulnerabilities.

Radio Interface Attacks
Core Network Attacks
Authentication Attacks
IMS and VoLTE Attacks

Explore Attack Vectors

4G Exploits

Specific exploits that can be used to compromise 4G networks, including examples of code and techniques used in these exploits.

LTE IMSI Catcher Implementation
Diameter Location Tracking
VoLTE Call Interception
GTP Protocol Exploits

Explore Exploits

4G Interactive Attacks Flow

Step-by-step process of interactive attacks on 4G networks, including diagrams and flowcharts to visualize attack sequences.

LTE IMSI Catching Attack
Diameter Attack Chain
VoLTE Attack Chain
Interactive Attack Simulations

Explore Attack Flows

Understanding 4G Security Architecture

Before diving into attacks, it's essential to understand the 4G security architecture and its components. This knowledge forms the foundation for effective security testing.

Key Security Components in 4G

Authentication
EPS-AKA (Authentication and Key Agreement) with mutual authentication and improved key hierarchy.
Encryption
AES-based algorithms for user and control plane protection with stronger key lengths.
Network Domain Security
IPsec for backhaul protection and secure communication between network elements.
Signaling Security
Diameter protocol for signaling, with improved security features compared to SS7.
IMS Security
Security mechanisms for IP Multimedia Subsystem and VoLTE services.

Learn More About 4G Architecture

4G Security Resources

Essential tools and references

Security Tools

• LTE IMSI catchers
• Diameter analyzers
• VoLTE testing tools
• Network scanners

Research Areas

• Authentication bypass
• Encryption weaknesses
• Protocol vulnerabilities
• Network impersonation

Diameter Security

Diameter Security Challenges in 4G

The Diameter protocol is a critical signaling protocol in 4G networks that, despite improvements over SS7, still introduces significant security challenges. Understanding these vulnerabilities is essential for comprehensive security testing.

While Diameter was designed with security in mind, including transport layer security and peer authentication, implementation weaknesses and roaming interconnections can still lead to exploitable vulnerabilities. [^6]

Insecure roaming interconnections

Lack of end-to-end security

Implementation vulnerabilities

Command code manipulation

Explore Diameter Vulnerabilities

VoLTE Security

VoLTE Security Challenges

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) introduces a new set of security challenges as voice services transition from circuit-switched networks to packet-switched IP networks. Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for comprehensive security testing.

VoLTE relies on the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and SIP protocol, which bring their own security considerations and potential attack vectors.

SIP protocol vulnerabilities

Media plane security weaknesses

IMS implementation flaws

APN configuration issues

Explore VoLTE Security