Since its introduction and adoption in the mid-1970s, the current standard, SS7 (also known as Common Channel Signaling System No. 7 or C7), hasn't made much progress. Its antiquated security principles make it extremely vulnerable to hackers.
In some ways, SS7's fame has become a curse. At least when it comes to online safety. Because of its widespread use by mobile providers and intelligence organizations, the SS7 protocol is used everywhere. It is incredibly effective in terms of monitoring. SS7 is a suspect's best friend because it gives hackers access to the same surveillance tools used by intelligence and law enforcement organizations. Rather than single devices, complex attacks are carried out on large networks. From the perspective of a mobile service provider, hackers have access to your customer's private data once your network's SS7 protocol has been successfully breached. They can access calls, messages, and the phone's location without your or the subscriber's knowledge.
How does SS7 operate?
The SS7 phone signaling protocols initiate and terminate phone calls across a digital signaling network to enable wireless cellular and wired connections. The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is used for most international public phone calls.
Other applications were gradually added to SS7. As a result, new mass-market solutions such as call waiting, SMS Fraud, prepaid billing, number translation, call forwarding, local number portability, and conference calling could be introduced.
What Exactly Is An SS7 Attack?
SS7 attacks are mobile cyberattacks that use SS7 security flaws in the SS7 protocol to breach and intercept voice and SMS messages on cellular networks. SS7 attacks, like "Man in the Middle" attacks, target mobile phone communications rather than wifi broadcasts.
How Do SS7 Attacks Work?
To snoop on text and voice communications, SS7 attacks use the capabilities of communication systems built on top of the SS7 protocol to authenticate themselves. A Linux-based system and the SS7 SDK, downloaded for free online, are all required for a hacking group to launch an SS7 strike.
When an attacker successfully employs a MiTM spoofing attack, they have access to the same types and quantities of data that are typically only available to security agencies. Listening in on texts, phone calls, and locations can provide hackers with useful information.
SS7 attacks are a popular security measure. Because of the unencrypted nature of these SMS communications and the ease with which hackers can obtain them, 2FA (two-factor authentication) over SMS via SS7 is fundamentally flawed. With the passcode from the SMS in their possession, a malicious user may be able to change your password for your WhatsApp, Google, social media, or even bank account.
After connecting to the SS7 system, you either create your SS7 app or buy an existing one. To develop SS7 hacking software, you first obtain the SDK, which includes the necessary SS7 libraries and stacks.
The roaming details include the area code and country code. The SS7 hacking app creates the status update from the IMSI information and other variables and initiates a TCAP conversation with the SS7 node.
When filling out the SCCP calling and called party addresses, the IMSI generates the called party address, which is the software program's GT. During an update location, the HLR will respond with "Insert Subscriber Data."
For the update location method to work and the app to attach as a smartphone, the application software must recognize the ISD on the HLR. However, enrollment is complete once the HLR transmits an updated location ACK.
Once this is done, hackers can launch an SS7 attack against your calls, texts, WhatsApp, Facebook, and other apps.
How Can an SS7 Attack Be Prevented?
The vulnerabilities and risks of the SS7 system are beyond the scope of organizations, consumers, and small businesses. As a result, SS7 security flaws are difficult to correct or delete.
According to the GSMA, mobile phone network operations should prioritize education and awareness. Because of the increased consumer focus on security controls, customers will secure their phones and IoT devices, especially when it comes to critical services and programs like Smart Homes and Offices.
The only way to avoid an SS7 security attack is to turn off your device, which you already know is not a good idea.
Authentication with Multiple Factors
SMS-based two-factor authentication is insecure, but it is widely used. Companies and services that value security is abandoning SMS in favour of new user authentication methods that do not rely on outdated phone standards like SS7. Using multiple authentication techniques together can reduce the likelihood of an SS7 attack by more than 90%.
Event Analysis and Surveillance
Businesses must be able to track what is going on if an SS7 security system is successfully breached. They must be kept informed of security incidents affecting corporate systems and devices. Any mobile security plan for a business must include this. Finally, businesses must put in place a defense that detects risks and responds before any harm is done.
Continual Updates
Information security is not a one-time event, even when using automation. Cybercriminals are constantly creating new vulnerabilities and strategies for infiltrating systems to steal sensitive data or hold devices hostage. Effective patch management is critical for adaptive defense. By using real-time endpoint protection analysis, businesses can ensure that known SS7 security flaws are quickly patched via firmware and software updates.
CONCLUSION-
Given the billions of mobile phone users worldwide, the risk of surveillance for the average user is low. Those in positions of power, whether within organizations or the government, may be targeted. Access to the SS7 security system and a phone number are all required to conduct the surveillance.
To protect users from getting into such attacks, security companies such as that Secgen are powering up and enhancing their systems to ensure users don't face any such issues of fraud.
Aside from someone listening in on calls and reading text messages, one of the most serious risks is the interception of two-step verification codes, frequently used as a security measure when logging into email accounts or other services sent via text message.
Banks and other secure institutions use phone calls or text messages to verify a user's identity, which can be intercepted and lead to fraud or malicious attacks.
Comments