
SIP Security Testing Methodology
A structured approach to identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in SIP-based VoIP systems
SIP Security Testing Methodology Overview
The methodology for testing SIP security combines network scanning, protocol analysis, authentication testing, and functional exploitation techniques.
This methodology provides a structured approach to identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in SIP-based systems, enabling security professionals to thoroughly assess the security posture of VoIP and IMS deployments.

Best Practices
- Always obtain proper authorization before testing
- Document all findings thoroughly
- Avoid testing production VoIP systems during peak hours
- Maintain detailed logs of all test activities
SIP Infrastructure Discovery
Identifying SIP components including proxies, registrars, gateways, and endpoints.
Tools:
SIPVicious
SIP-Scan
Nmap SIP scripts
Authentication Analysis
Testing the security of SIP authentication mechanisms.
Tools:
SIPcrack
SIPVicious svcrack
SIP Digest Leak Testing Tool
Protocol Manipulation
Manipulating SIP messages to test for protocol-level vulnerabilities.
Tools:
SIP Proxy Fuzzer
Protos SIP Test Suite
SIPp
Service Exploitation
Testing specific SIP service vulnerabilities and attack scenarios.
Tools:
inviteflood
RTP MixSound
SIPVicious
Detailed Methodology Phases
Recommended Tools
SIPVicious
SIP-Scan
Nmap SIP scripts
SIP Security Testing Workflow

Comprehensive workflow for conducting SIP security assessments
SIP Security Testing Tools
Tool | Purpose |
---|---|
SIPVicious | SIP server enumeration and scanning |
Nmap SIP Scripts | Port scanning and service detection |
SIP-Scan | SIP endpoint discovery |
Tool | Purpose |
---|---|
SIPcrack | SIP digest authentication cracking |
SIPVicious svcrack | Brute force password attacks |
SIP Digest Leak Testing Tool | Testing for authentication leaks |
Tool | Purpose |
---|---|
SIPp | SIP traffic generation and testing |
Protos SIP Test Suite | Protocol fuzzing and robustness testing |
SIP Proxy Fuzzer | Fuzzing SIP proxy implementations |
SIP Security Testing Checklist
Pre-Assessment
- ✓Define scope and objectives of the SIP security assessment
- ✓Obtain proper authorization and documentation
- ✓Prepare testing environment and tools
- ✓Review architecture documentation if available
SIP Infrastructure Discovery
- ✓Identify SIP servers, proxies, and registrars
- ✓Enumerate SIP extensions and users
- ✓Identify SIP gateways and border elements
- ✓Map SIP network topology
Authentication Analysis
- ✓Test for weak authentication mechanisms
- ✓Attempt digest authentication cracking
- ✓Test for authentication bypass vulnerabilities
- ✓Evaluate credential management practices
Protocol Manipulation
- ✓Perform SIP message fuzzing
- ✓Test handling of malformed SIP messages
- ✓Manipulate SIP headers to test security controls
- ✓Test SDP content handling and validation
Service Exploitation
- ✓Attempt registration hijacking attacks
- ✓Test for call eavesdropping vulnerabilities
- ✓Evaluate susceptibility to SPIT attacks
- ✓Test for toll fraud scenarios
Post-Assessment
- ✓Document all findings with clear evidence
- ✓Assess impact and risk of identified vulnerabilities
- ✓Provide remediation recommendations
- ✓Present findings to stakeholders
Next Steps in SIP Security Testing
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