PSTN Security Testing

Explore vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and security assessment methodologies for Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN)

PSTN Network Security

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) remains a critical infrastructure component worldwide. Understanding its security implications is essential for telecommunications security professionals.

Methodology

PSTN security testing approaches

Structured approaches to assess PSTN network security, from central office to subscriber testing.

Attack Vectors

Common PSTN vulnerabilities

Explore known attack vectors targeting PSTN infrastructure, from phreaking to signaling exploitation.

Switch Security

Central office vulnerabilities

Security assessment of telephone switches, PBX systems, and central office equipment.

Signaling Security

PSTN signaling vulnerabilities

Security assessment of PSTN signaling protocols including MF, DTMF, and in-band signaling.

PSTN Technology Overview

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the aggregate of the world's circuit-switched telephone networks that are operated by national, regional, or local telephony operators, providing infrastructure and services for public telecommunication.

PSTN has been the backbone of voice communications for over a century, evolving from manual switchboards to modern digital switching systems while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy equipment.

The security of PSTN networks involves multiple components:

Central office switch security
Signaling protocol security (MF, DTMF, SS7)
Trunk line security
Subscriber line security
PBX and key system security
Maintenance and testing interface security

Common PSTN Security Challenges

Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

Legacy switch vulnerabilities
Weak authentication in maintenance interfaces
Signaling protocol exploitation
Physical access to central offices
Trunk line tapping and interception

Subscriber Vulnerabilities

Line tapping and wiretapping
PBX system vulnerabilities
Voicemail system exploitation
Caller ID spoofing
Toll fraud and unauthorized usage

PSTN Security Testing Areas

Signaling Security

MF and DTMF signaling analysis
SS7 protocol security assessment
In-band signaling exploitation
Blue box and red box techniques

Infrastructure Security

Central office security assessment
Switch configuration review
Maintenance interface testing
Physical security evaluation

Subscriber Security

PBX security assessment
Voicemail system testing
Line security evaluation
Toll fraud prevention

Ready to Explore PSTN Security?

Dive deeper into our comprehensive resources on PSTN security testing, vulnerabilities, and defensive strategies.