To simulate an SS7 (Signaling System 7) attack using OPNET that has numerous step, it includes to make situations, which simulate the vulnerabilities within the SS7 protocol like intercepting interactions, monitoring users, or conducting DoS attacks. For call configurations, SMS, and other signaling functions, and attacks normally utilize their signaling messages to cooperate network security, SS7 is generally utilized within cellular networks. But, replicating SS7 attacks is difficult by reason of the protocol’s specialized nature and the requirement for telecommunications simulation support in OPNET.
Steps to Simulate SS7 Attack Projects in OPNET
- Set Up OPNET Environment
- Launch OPNET Modeler, make a new project then name it depends on the focus like “SS7 Attack Simulation.”
- Set up the workspace replicating a cellular network environment that normally including mobile devices, base stations, and core network elements such as Mobile Switching Center, MSC.
- Design Cellular Network Topology with SS7 Elements
- Make a network topology signifying a simple cellular network to contain:
- Mobile Devices (User Equipment): Denote the end-users or subscribers.
- Base Stations: Signify interaction towers for cellular network access.
- SS7 Core Network Elements: Configure nodes denoting crucial modules such as:
- Mobile Switching Center (MSC): It manages the call configuration and routing in the SS7 network.
- Home Location Register (HLR) and Visitor Location Register (VLR): These are utilized for handling subscriber data.
- Signal Transfer Points (STP): Route SS7 messages among network elements.
- Link these elements, which reflect a telecommunications network including links among MSC, HLR, and STP nodes to allow the SS7 signaling.
- Configure SS7 Signaling for Legitimate Traffic
- Describe SS7 signaling traffic for normal network operations like call configuration, SMS routing, and location updates that containing message types.
- Simulate standard SS7 message flows:
- Location Update: To replicate position management by way of transmitting location update messages to the HLR and VLR.
- Call Setup: Denotes the exchange of SS7 messages needed beginning a call among two mobile devices.
- SMS Routing: For distributing SMS among users, simulates the SS7 messages.
- Configure these applications making normal SS7 signaling traffic under Application Configuration.
- Set Up Attacker Node for SS7 Attack Simulation
- Insert an attacker node to the network to denote an unauthorized SS7 node or a compromised Signal Transfer Point (STP).
- Link the attacker node to the SS7 network through an STP since SS7 attacks frequently include the unauthorized message injection or interception.
- Set up the attacker node replicating different SS7 attack situations like:
- Location Tracking: The attacker transmits the unauthorized location requests to the HLR monitoring a location of subscriber.
- Call/SMS Interception: The attacker attempts intercepting call or SMS-related SS7 messages to observe interactions.
- Denial of Service (DoS): The attacker submerges the SS7 network with certain messages like repeated location updates overloading network resources.
- Define Attack Scenarios
- Configure certain SS7 attack situations by means of setting up traffic patterns at the attacker node:
- Location Tracking Attack: Set up the attacker node transmitting Provide Subscriber Information (PSI) requests or Any Time Interrogation (ATI) requests frequently to the HLR, to replicate an unauthorized location tracking.
- SMS Interception Attack: Set up the attacker node to demand the MAP messages relevant to SMS delivery, then trying to intercept or redirect SMS messages.
- DoS Attack: Configure the attacker node to overflow the SS7 network including messages like Update Location or Cancel Location, replicating a DoS attack to direct the HLR or MSC elements.
- Enable Monitoring and Data Collection
- Configure data collection, for SS7 traffic observing the following parameters:
- Message Volume and Frequency: Monitor the volume of SS7 messages, from the attacker node to concentrate on abnormal message rates.
- Location Update Requests: Observe the frequency and origin of location update requests detecting the unauthorized tracking attempts.
- Network Latency and Resource Utilization: Estimate the latency in call configuration or SMS delivery measuring the DoS attack’s effect.
- Session Duration and Drop Rate: Confirm for any maximize in dropped calls or session interruptions, from the attacker that may show effective interference.
- Run the Simulation
- In OPNET, we can execute the simulation and monitor how the attacker node impacts SS7 signaling traffic in the network.
- OPNET will be replicated the exchange of SS7 messages among the network elements to contain the injected messages of attacker node.
- Analyze Results
- Measure the SS7 Attack’s impact on network performance utilizing OPNET’s analysis tools:
- Message Volume Analysis: Consider the amount of SS7 messages that are creating from the attacker identifying abnormal patterns.
- Location Tracking: From the attacker, we can compute the frequency of unauthorized location demands to the HLR.
- Impact on Call and SMS Setup: Verify if call configuration or SMS delivery times increase, to show an influence from the attack.
- Network Congestion and Latency: Examine the delay within SS7 message processing that may direct to overloads triggered by DoS-type attacks.
- Experiment with Security Measures (Optional)
- Experiment the impact of potential security measures like straining unauthorized SS7 messages or restricting requests for each user, moderating SS7 attack risks.
- Test by locating limits at the STP nodes from unauthorized sources identifying and to block suspicious activity.
In this manual, SS7 Attack projects simulation and analysis has been accomplished using OPNET through a simulation procedure. More expanded guidance also to be presented related to this subject in the next manual.
For your requirements related to call configurations, SMS, and various signaling functions, as well as addressing potential attacks, you can count on our expertise to deliver optimal results. To conduct a SS7 Attack projects simulation using OPNET, please provide us with your project specifications, and we will assess the feasibility and offer you the best support. We are dedicated to enhancing network performance for your project, and we also provide personalized research ideas and topics designed to meet your specific needs.
