How to implement SS7 attack in OMNeT++

To Implement a Signalling System No. 7 (SS7) attack in OMNeT++, we have several steps. The SS7 is a complex task because the specificity and complexity of the SS7 protocol has used in telecommunications networks to enable call setup, routing, and control. SS7 attacks usually exploit malevolent in the signalling network to intercept calls, send fake SMS messages, track user locations, or perform denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.

The below will walk you on how to implement the SS7 attack in OMNeT++:

Step-by-Step Implementation:

Step 1: Set Up the OMNeT++ Environment

1. Install OMNeT++ and INET: Make sure that OMNeT++ and the INET framework are installed and configured properly.
2. Create a New Project: Open the OMNeT++ IDE and generate a new project to mimic the SS7 network and the attack.

Step 2: Define the SS7 Network Topology

1. Create Network Nodes: describe the SS7 network elements in .ned file, like MSC (Mobile Switching Center), HLR (Home Location Register), VLR (Visitor Location Register), and attacker nodes.
2. Define Connections: To create connections among the nodes to mimic the signaling network.

network SS7Network

{

submodules:

msc: StandardHost;

hlr: StandardHost;

vlr: StandardHost;

attacker: AttackerNode;

connections:

msc.pppg++ <–> { delay = 10ms; datarate = 100Mbps; } <–> hlr.pppg++;

msc.pppg++ <–> { delay = 10ms; datarate = 100Mbps; } <–> vlr.pppg++;

attacker.pppg++ <–> { delay = 1ms; datarate = 100Mbps; } <–> msc.pppg++;

}

Step 3: Implement SS7 Protocol Simulation (Optional)

1. SS7 Protocol Overview: The SS7 protocol has several layers that contain the MTP (Message Transfer Part), SCCP (Signaling Connection Control Part), and TCAP (Transaction Capabilities Application Part). To execute these layers is complex, since we need to emulate simplified versions.
2. Message Definitions: describe SS7-related messages in .msg files. These could contains the simplified versions of MAP (Mobile Application Part) messages for location update requests, SMS sending, or call setup.

message SS7Message {

string messageType;

string originatingPointCode;

string destinationPointCode;

string payload;

}

Step 4: Implement the Attacker Node

1. Create Attacker Module: Define the attacker node in a .ned file.

simple AttackerNode

{

gates:

input fromNetwork;

output toNetwork;

}

1. Write C++ Code for the Attacker Node: Implement the attacker’s logic to exploit SS7 vulnerabilities contain intercepting or forging SS7 messages.

class AttackerNode : public cSimpleModule

{

protected:

virtual void initialize() override;

virtual void handleMessage(cMessage *msg) override;

void performSS7Attack(SS7Message *msg);

};

1. Implement Attack Logic:
   • Intercept SS7 Messages: The attacker node can capture SS7 messages, evaluate them, and decide whether to modify, drop, or forward them.
   • Forge SS7 Messages: Implement approaches to craft fake SS7 messages to perform attacks such as spoofing, intercepting SMS, or tracking location.

void AttackerNode::initialize()

{

// Initialization code, if needed

}

void AttackerNode::handleMessage(cMessage *msg)

{

if (auto ss7Msg = dynamic_cast<SS7Message*>(msg)) {

performSS7Attack(ss7Msg);

// Optionally forward the packet to maintain network operation

send(ss7Msg, “toNetwork”);

} else {

delete msg;

}

}

void AttackerNode::performSS7Attack(SS7Message *msg)

{

EV << “Attacker: Intercepted SS7 message of type ” << msg->getMessageType() << endl;

// Example: Modify the message to perform an attack

if (msg->getMessageType() == “LocationUpdate”) {

EV << “Attacker: Modifying Location Update request to misroute the message.” << endl;

msg->setDestinationPointCode(“FakeVLR”);

}

// More advanced attacks could include forging new messages or intercepting data

}

Step 5: Integrate with the SS7 Network

1. Integrate Attacker with SS7 Network: Guarantee that the attacker node is properly connected and can seizure and operate SS7 messages in the network.
2. Simulate Legitimate Traffic: Implement traffic generation logic on the MSC, HLR, and VLR nodes to mimic normal SS7 communication, like location updates, SMS delivery, or call setups.

Step 6: Test and Validate

1. Run Simulations: To implement the emulation and monitor the attacker’s features in intercepting and manipulating SS7 traffic.
2. Log and Analyse: Use OMNeT++’s logging facilities to evaluate the impact of the attack on the network’s normal operations.

In this setup the SS7 attacks were executed using the OMNeT++ tool that has exploit the vulnerabilities in the intercept calls , trace the user location in the network simulation. If you have any doubts regarding the SS7 attacks we will support and provide it.

Our esteemed developers are at your service to provide insights on the implementation of SS7 attacks within the OMNeT++ tool, complete with project topics and execution steps. Simply share your project details with us, and we will offer you comprehensive guidance. We specialize in signaling networks to intercept calls, ensuring you achieve exceptional results for your projects.