Pentest (Penetration Testing)

Also known as: penetration-testing, penetration-test

In telecommunications and mobile networks, Penetration Testing is slightly different than in IT. It is related to OT (Operational Technologies) which use exotic OT-specific technologies as well as regular IT technologies (for example Kubernetes in 5G Core Networks). Therefore the pentest audits are conducted by specifically experienced teams. The pentest can be focused on a perimeter such as SS7 Signaling, OAM Administration networks and systems, Billing, Diameter Signaling, Roaming perimeters, or Application perimeters, or it can be more focused on a global security compromise testing goal (in that context it is often referred to as a Red Team Exercise where only the goal counts and the way to compromise it is left to the auditor).

Categories: Core NetworkSignalingRoaming and Interconnect

Pentest in context

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.

Signaling protocols carry the control-plane instructions that set up calls, register subscribers, hand over sessions and route SMS. SS7, Diameter, GTP-C and SIP are the four dominant families, and interconnect exposure of any of them is treated by GSMA FS.11 / FS.19 / FS.20 as a top-tier telecom risk.

To place Pentest in the wider telecom-security picture, review Red Team Exercise, HLR, FS.07, GGSN, GTP Firewall and MAP.

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