
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.
Authentication Analysis
Testing the security of SIP authentication mechanisms.
Protocol Manipulation
Manipulating SIP messages to test for protocol-level vulnerabilities.
Service Exploitation
Testing specific SIP service vulnerabilities and attack scenarios.
Detailed Methodology Phases
Key Techniques
- SIP OPTIONS scanning
- SIP server fingerprinting
- SIP extension discovery
- DNS NAPTR/SRV record analysis
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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