PFCP Exploitation in 5G Networks

Comprehensive guide to exploiting vulnerabilities in the Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) within 5G infrastructure.

Ethical Use Warning

This information is provided for educational and defensive purposes only. Always obtain proper authorization before testing any network.

PFCP Protocol Overview

Understanding the Packet Forwarding Control Protocol in 5G networks

The Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) is a critical component in 5G networks that manages the separation between control and user planes. It enables communication between the Session Management Function (SMF) and the User Plane Function (UPF).

PFCP Protocol Communication Flow


SMF (Session Management Function)
          |
          | PFCP Association Setup
          |
          v
UPF (User Plane Function)
          ^
          | Session Establishment
          | Session Modification
          | Session Deletion
          |
SMF ------+
          |
          +------ N4 Interface ------+
                                     |
                                     v
                                    UPF