HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

HTTP is the IETF application protocol underlying the web, defined originally in RFC 1945 (1.0), then 7230-7237 (1.1), 7540 (HTTP/2), and 9114 (HTTP/3 over QUIC). HTTP itself transmits data in cleartext, exposing both content and credentials to anyone on the path; this is why all production traffic should run over HTTPS. In 5G the SBA uses HTTP/2 between Network Functions, with mTLS providing transport security and OAuth2 providing authorisation.

Categories: Radio Access NetworkCore NetworkSecurity Controls

HTTP in context

The radio access network is the layer where mobile devices attach to the operator's infrastructure. Attacks in this layer include IMSI catching, rogue base stations, downgrade attacks and jamming, and defenses hinge on mutual authentication, integrity-protected signaling and Open RAN supply-chain hygiene.

The mobile core is where subscriber sessions, mobility and policy live. In 4G it is the EPC (MME, HSS, S/PGW); in 5G it is the Service-Based Architecture with AMF, SMF, UPF, AUSF, UDM and the NRF. Core exposure is the difference between a single-subscriber leak and a fleet-wide breach.

To place HTTP in the wider telecom-security picture, review OAuth2 in 5G Core, Inter-Network Function Authentication, SMPP, HTTP/2 Security in 5G, Network Exposure Function (NEF) and Service-Based Architecture (SBA) Security.

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