How to Start SS7 Attack Projects Using OMNeT++

To start Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) attack using OMNeT++ that needs to know the mixture of SS7 protocols, to design them within OMNeT++, and make network communication simulations with SS7. While OMNeT++ doesn’t directly support for SS7 module then we can enhance the custom models or adjust existing network models for replicating SS7 communications. Below is a step-by-step approach to get started:

Steps to Start SS7 Attack Projects in OMNeT++

Step 1: Understand SS7 Protocols and Use Cases

We can know about the SS7 protocol and their use cases within telecommunications. SS7 is a collection of protocols that are utilised for interaction among the modules within a telecommunication network like:

  • Signaling Points (SP): These points have several modules such as like MSC (Mobile Switching Center), HLR (Home Location Register), VLR (Visitor Location Register), and SCP (Service Control Point).
  • Core Functions of SS7: Call configurations, text messaging (SMS), roaming, location tracking, and verification.

Step 2: Set Up OMNeT++ and INET Framework

OMNeT++ environment helps to replicate the networks and protocols, and the INET framework prolongs OMNeT++ to have numerous network protocols with mobile network protocols. Since OMNeT++ doesn’t directly support for SS7 but INET framework offers network modules, which we can be utilised for IP-based SS7 such as SIGTRAN that is SS7 over IP.

  1. Download OMNeT++:
    • We should download and set up the new version of OMNeT++ IDE based on the OS.
    • Adhere to the installation steps in the documentation.
  2. Install INET Framework (Optional for IP-based SS7 or simulation):
    • INET framework is a library for OMNeT++, which supports in designing the network protocols with IP, mobile networks, and relevant technologies.
    • Copy the repository using INET GitHub repository to install INET framework and follow the installation guidance in the README.
  3. Set Up the Development Environment:
    • OMNeT++ utilises C++ classes to make models. Make sure that we have a C++ environment configuration within OMNeT++.
    • OMNeT++ environment offers an integrated IDE for simulations, or we can configure it including an external IDE such as Visual Studio or Eclipse.

Step 3: Model the SS7 Network

While OMNeT++ doesn’t directly support for built-in SS7 modules then we can manually design the model SS7 signaling elements and behavior.

  1. Define Signaling Points (SPs):
    • In an SS7 network, critical modules are MSC (Mobile Switching Center), HLR (Home Location Register), VLR (Visitor Location Register), and SCP (Service Control Point).
    • These can be designed like custom OMNeT++ components, which replicate the signaling among these points.
  2. Simulate SS7 Protocol Stack:
    • SS7 has numerous protocol layers like:
      • MTP (Message Transfer Part): Manages the routing messages among SS7 nodes.
      • SCCP (Signaling Connection Control Part): It offers routing and reliability aspects for SS7 signaling.
      • ISUP (ISDN User Part): Controls call configuration, teardown, and supplementary services.

We can execute these layers to utilise components in OMNeT++ for each layer’s functions. For instance:

    • A MTP module can be managed the message routing.
    • A SCCP module can handle the connection control and message delivery to the correct nodes.
    • An ISUP module can be controlled call configuration and termination procedures.
  2. Implement SS7 Messages:
    • We describe the kinds of SS7 messages, which will be swapped among the network modules like call configuration messages, notifying messages, and location update demands.
    • Execute the message exchanges by means of designing message types like OMNeT++ messages (cMessage) with related attributes such as message type, sender, receiver, and other protocol-specific fields.
  3. Create Network Topology:
    • In the OMNeT++ network, we need to replicate the network modules like MSC, HLR, SCP, and VLR as nodes.
    • Describe the connections among them for replicating the SS7 signaling network, and making sure that the proper routing of signaling messages.

Step 4: Create and Simulate SS7 Attacks

When we have designed the SS7 network then we can prolong the simulation by means of integrating diverse attack scenarios for knowing vulnerabilities and replicating malicious activities. For instance:

  1. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attack:
    • Improve an attacker module, which interrupts SS7 messages among two signaling points such as between MSC and HLR.
    • Fine-tune the messages like modify call routing data, steal messages, and so on,.
  2. Location Tracking Attack:
    • An attacker might observe the messages of SS7 messages for finding the mobile devices location.
    • Mimic an attacker to observe Location Update or Paging messages to follow the user locations.
  3. SMS Spoofing Attack:
    • Replicate an attacker to transmit counterfeit SMS messages by means of utilising SS7 vulnerabilities.
    • Make a custom attacker module, which inserts fake SMS messages to the network for replicating legitimate messages.
  4. Denial of Service (DoS):
    • Mimic a SS7 signaling messages flood, which devastate network resources. For instance, to transmit extreme Call Setup messages triggering the congestion or crash network modules.

Step 5: Test and Analyze the Simulation

  • Run the Simulations: Experiment the SS7 network with and without the attacks that are replicated to observe how the network performs in typical conditions and attack scenarios.
  • Analyze the Results: Examine the outcomes with message statistics, network delays, throughput, and failure rates to utilise OMNeT++’s built-in tools for analysis. It can detect the vulnerabilities or performance problems within the SS7 protocol stack or the attacked modules.

Step 6: Extend and Refine the Model

  • Add More Protocol Layers: We can enhance the SS7 stack by means of executing more layers such as protocol higher layers like TCAP for managing transaction.
  • Improve Attacks: Improve additional sophisticated attacks like utilising certain vulnerabilities within SS7 or prolonging the design for replicating real-world telecommunication networks including advanced scenarios.

We have presented a solid foundational methodology and core concepts for SS7 Attack Projects, simulated and analysed through OMNeT++ environment. Further specific details will be provided later.