MuneneWaDC Insights

  In an era where cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, one of the lesser-known but dangerous vulnerabilities in the global telecom infrastructure involves a protocol called Signaling System 7 (SS7) . This system, crucial to how mobile networks communicate with each other, is vulnerable to attacks that allow hackers to intercept calls, read text messages, and track users’ locations. But what exactly is an SS7 attack, and why should you be concerned? Let’s dive into how this attack works and why it remains a significant threat today. What is SS7? SS7, or Signaling System 7, is a set of protocols used by telecommunication networks to exchange information necessary for setting up and routing phone calls, sending SMS messages, and enabling services like roaming between different networks. It acts as the backbone of global mobile communication, allowing different phone networks to communicate with each other efficiently. SS7 was designed in the 1970s, at a time when security was no

  Evasion : By restricting access to a service, the attacker could make it more difficult for security tools like Nmap to identify the type of service running on the port. The result is that the service appears as tcpwrapped , giving the impression that it is well-secured or inaccessible, when in reality, it may be a malicious service that is only available to authorized users (e.g., those coming from specific IP addresses or ranges). Concealing Malicious Services : The attacker could be running a backdoor, C2 (command and control) server, or other unauthorized service while making it look like an innocuous or inaccessible port. This would make it harder for security professionals to notice or investigate that service, as it may be assumed to be a legitimate, restricted system service. Limiting Exposure : By restricting access, the attacker can limit the pool of potential investigators or defenders who could probe the port for more information. Only users with the right IP address, cre