5G Security

5G Interactive Attacks Flow

Step-by-step process of interactive attacks on 5G networks, including diagrams and flowcharts to visualize attack sequences.

Responsible Use Warning

The attack flows presented on this page are for educational and research purposes only. They should only be used in authorized security testing environments with proper permissions. Unauthorized use of these attack techniques against production networks is illegal and unethical.

Understanding Attack Flows

Attack flows provide a structured visualization of how complex attacks against 5G networks unfold over multiple steps. Understanding these flows helps security professionals identify attack patterns and implement effective defenses.

Each attack flow presented here breaks down sophisticated attacks into discrete steps, showing the progression from initial reconnaissance to successful exploitation. This step-by-step approach makes it easier to understand the attack methodology and identify potential intervention points.

Comprehensive Visualization

Detailed diagrams and flowcharts illustrate the attack sequence and component interactions.

Practical Scenarios

Real-world attack scenarios based on actual 5G network vulnerabilities and configurations.

Defense Integration

Each flow includes potential detection and mitigation points to enhance defensive capabilities.

5G Attack Flow Overview

5G Attack Scenarios

Rogue Base Station Attack
Setting up a fake gNB to intercept communications
Rogue Base Station Attack Flow Diagram

Attack Steps

1

Reconnaissance

Identify legitimate gNBs in the target area

Using SDR equipment to scan for 5G frequencies and identify cell parameters

2

gNB Impersonation

Configure SDR to broadcast as a legitimate gNB

Set up SDR with open-source 5G stack and configure with captured parameters

3

Force UE Connection

Broadcast with higher signal strength to attract UEs

Increase transmission power and use jamming to degrade legitimate signals

4

Capture Authentication

Capture authentication attempts from connecting UEs

Record SUCI/SUPI information and authentication messages

5

Man-in-the-Middle

Relay communications between UE and legitimate network

Forward modified traffic between UE and legitimate network

Detection and Mitigation

Detection Points

  • Anomalous radio signal patterns or unauthorized base stations
  • Unexpected authentication attempts or failures
  • Unusual traffic patterns or protocol behaviors

Mitigation Strategies

  • Implement strong mutual authentication for all network components
  • Deploy network monitoring and anomaly detection systems
  • Regularly update and patch all network components

Attack Flow Visualization

The following diagram illustrates the relationship between different attack vectors and how they can be combined in sophisticated attack chains against 5G networks.

5G Attack Chain Diagram

Attack Chain Components

  • 1

    Initial Access

    Methods used to gain initial access to the 5G network, such as rogue base stations or exploiting exposed interfaces.

  • 2

    Privilege Escalation

    Techniques to gain higher privileges within the network, such as exploiting authentication vulnerabilities.

  • 3

    Lateral Movement

    Methods to move between different network functions or slices, such as exploiting isolation weaknesses.

Defense-in-Depth Strategy

  • A

    Perimeter Security

    Implementing strong authentication, encryption, and access controls at network boundaries.

  • B

    Network Segmentation

    Isolating critical network functions and implementing strong slice isolation.

  • C

    Continuous Monitoring

    Implementing intrusion detection systems and anomaly detection throughout the network.

Interactive Attack Simulation

For a more hands-on understanding of 5G attack flows, we provide interactive simulations that allow security professionals to explore attack scenarios in a controlled environment.

Simulation Environment

Our interactive simulations provide a safe, virtualized environment for exploring 5G attack flows without affecting real networks. These simulations include:

  • Virtualized 5G Network

    Complete 5G network environment with core network functions, radio access network, and user equipment.

  • Attack Tools

    Pre-configured tools for executing various attack techniques against the virtualized network.

  • Guided Scenarios

    Step-by-step instructions for executing different attack scenarios and observing their effects.

  • Defense Challenges

    Exercises focused on implementing and testing defensive measures against various attack scenarios.

5G Attack Simulation Environment

Next Steps

Continue your exploration of 5G security with these related resources.

5G Pentesting Methodology
Systematic approach to assessing the security of 5G networks, including planning, reconnaissance, vulnerability analysis, exploitation, and reporting.
5G Attack Vectors
Comprehensive analysis of various attack vectors targeting 5G networks, including radio interface, core network, and signaling protocol vulnerabilities.
5G Exploits
Specific exploits that can be used to compromise 5G networks, including code examples and techniques.