GTP Attack Flows Interactive Visualization

Explore interactive visualizations of GTP (GPRS Tunneling Protocol) attack flows. These visualizations demonstrate the step-by-step progression of various attack scenarios, detection points, and recommended countermeasures.

The GTP protocol is fundamental to mobile data services in 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, serving as the backbone for user data tunneling between different network elements. Understanding attack flows against GTP infrastructure is critical for telecommunications security professionals.

GTP Tunnel Hijacking Attack Flow
This attack flow demonstrates how an attacker can hijack GTP tunnels to redirect user traffic through malicious infrastructure.
Difficulty: High
Impact: Critical

Attack Flow Steps

1

Attacker

Malicious actor with access to the telecom network

The attacker has gained access to the telecom network, either through compromised equipment, insider access, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in the network perimeter.

attackerNode
2

Network Reconnaissance

Identify GTP nodes and tunnel endpoints

The attacker performs passive monitoring to identify GTP-C and GTP-U traffic, mapping out the network topology, TEID values, and subscriber information. This reconnaissance phase is critical for understanding the target environment.

actionNode
3

Capture GTP-C Messages

Intercept GTP control plane messages

The attacker captures GTP-C messages to identify active tunnels, TEIDs (Tunnel Endpoint Identifiers), and subscriber information. This provides the necessary information to craft malicious GTP messages in later stages.

actionNode
4

Forge Update PDP Context

Create malicious Update PDP Context Request

The attacker crafts a forged Update PDP Context Request message with modified tunnel endpoints. This message will redirect the user's data traffic through the attacker's infrastructure while maintaining the appearance of a legitimate connection.

actionNode
5

Inject GTP-C Message

Send forged message to GGSN/PGW

The attacker injects the forged Update PDP Context Request into the network, targeting the GGSN/PGW. The message appears to come from a legitimate SGSN/SGW and includes valid session identifiers and TEIDs obtained during the reconnaissance phase.

actionNode
6

Tunnel Redirection

User traffic flows through attacker's infrastructure

The GGSN/PGW processes the forged Update PDP Context Request and modifies the tunnel endpoint. User traffic now flows through the attacker's infrastructure, allowing for traffic interception, modification, or injection before being forwarded to the legitimate destination.

targetNode

Detection Points

Detection Point 1

Unusual GTP-C message patterns or volumes may indicate reconnaissance activity.

Detection Point 2

Unexpected Update PDP Context Request messages from unusual sources.

Detection Point 3

Sudden changes in tunnel endpoints without corresponding legitimate network events.

Countermeasures

Implement GTP Firewall with stateful inspection and message validation
Deploy GTP protocol anomaly detection systems
Enforce mutual authentication between network elements
Implement IPsec for GTP tunnel protection
Regularly audit GTP tunnel configurations and changes
Monitor for unexpected tunnel endpoint modifications

GTP Attack Flow Analysis

The GTP protocol is particularly vulnerable to these types of attacks due to several inherent design characteristics:

  • Limited authentication mechanisms in early GTP versions
  • Lack of encryption for GTP control messages in many deployments
  • Trust relationships between network elements that can be exploited
  • Complex protocol state machines that are difficult to secure completely
  • Legacy compatibility requirements that maintain vulnerable features

Understanding these attack flows is essential for implementing effective defense-in-depth strategies for GTP infrastructure. Each flow demonstrates not only the attack progression but also key detection points where monitoring and controls can be implemented.

Understanding GTP Attack Flows

The interactive visualizations above demonstrate how attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the GTP protocol to compromise mobile network security. Each attack flow represents a realistic attack scenario that has been observed in real-world telecommunications environments or security research.

Key Components of GTP Attack Flows

  • Initial Access: How attackers gain initial access to the telecommunications network
  • Reconnaissance: Methods used to map the network and identify GTP nodes
  • Exploitation: Specific techniques used to exploit GTP protocol vulnerabilities
  • Impact: The consequences of successful attacks on network operations and subscriber privacy
  • Detection Points: Critical points in the attack flow where detection is possible
  • Countermeasures: Recommended security controls to prevent or mitigate the attacks

Using These Visualizations

Telecommunications security professionals can use these visualizations to:

  • Understand the mechanics of GTP-based attacks
  • Identify vulnerable points in their network architecture
  • Develop effective detection strategies
  • Implement appropriate countermeasures
  • Train security teams on GTP security threats
  • Conduct more effective security assessments

Educational Purpose

These attack flow visualizations are provided for educational purposes to help telecommunications security professionals understand and defend against GTP security threats. The information should be used responsibly and ethically to improve network security posture.