Mobile Network Attacks & Security

Comprehensive guide to mobile network attacks across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies

Legal Warning

Operating IMSI catchers or fake base stations without proper authorization is illegal in most jurisdictions. This information is for educational and authorized security testing only.
Mobile Network Attack Overview
Comprehensive visualization of attack categories across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G network generations
Mobile network attack overview diagram showing attack categories across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G network generations with individual attack types for each generation
IMSI Catcher Attack Flow
Step-by-step visualization of how IMSI catchers exploit mobile devices by broadcasting stronger fake cell tower signals
IMSI catcher attack flow diagram showing the sequence from device scanning, signal comparison, connection to rogue tower, IMSI capture, and optional traffic relay
Network Generation Security Comparison
Security evolution across mobile network generations showing encryption methods, vulnerabilities, and security levels
Network generation security comparison diagram showing 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G security features, encryption methods, vulnerabilities, and security levels with timeline progression
2G/3G Attacks
Legacy network vulnerabilities and exploitation techniques targeting older mobile network generations

2G and 3G networks represent the foundational mobile network technologies with significant security weaknesses. These legacy systems lack modern encryption and authentication mechanisms, making them vulnerable to interception, tracking, and man-in-the-middle attacks. Many vulnerabilities in these networks are well-documented and actively exploited.

4G/LTE Attacks
Modern network vulnerabilities in 4G LTE infrastructure, IMS, and advanced mobile services

4G LTE networks introduced significant security improvements but remain vulnerable to sophisticated attacks. These networks face threats from rogue base stations, protocol exploitation, IMS vulnerabilities, and VoLTE attacks. While more secure than 2G/3G, 4G networks are the current primary target for mobile network attackers.

IMSI Extraction

Despite 4G LTE's improved security, IMSI extraction attacks exploit vulnerabilities in the attach procedure to capture subscriber identities before encryption is established.

high

VoLTE Exploits

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) exploits target vulnerabilities in the IMS architecture and SIP protocol to intercept calls, perform denial of service, or manipulate call routing.

high

Rogue eNodeB

Rogue eNodeB attacks involve deploying fake LTE base stations that impersonate legitimate network infrastructure to intercept communications and perform man-in-the-middle attacks.

critical
5G Attacks
Emerging threats targeting next-generation 5G networks, network slicing, and service-based architecture

5G networks introduce new security features like SUPI/SUCI protection, but also bring novel attack surfaces through network slicing, service-based architecture, edge computing, and IoT integration. While more secure by design, early 5G implementations show vulnerabilities in new protocols and architectures that attackers are actively exploring.

SUCI Attacks

Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI) attacks attempt to compromise the 5G privacy mechanism designed to protect subscriber identities through cryptographic concealment.

high

gNodeB Spoofing

gNodeB spoofing involves deploying fake 5G base stations that impersonate legitimate network infrastructure to intercept communications and perform man-in-the-middle attacks.

critical

Network Slicing Exploits

Network slicing exploits target the 5G feature that creates multiple virtual networks on shared infrastructure, attempting to breach slice isolation or perform cross-slice attacks.

critical
Mobile Network Attack Vector Taxonomy
Complete classification system for mobile network attacks organized by attack layer and network generation
Mobile network attack vector taxonomy diagram showing attack categories including Radio Access Network, Network Core Infrastructure, Protocol Exploitation, and Application Services, with attack distribution across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G generations
Radio Access Network (RAN) Attack Diagram
Visual representation of RAN architecture showing mobile devices, base stations, core network connections, and attack vector categories
Radio Access Network attack diagram showing mobile devices connected to base stations, core network infrastructure, and attack vector categories including signal-based attacks, identity attacks, protocol attacks, and infrastructure attacks
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