Hi Guys,
I'm Karthikeyan.V, a passionate Ethical Hacker and Cyber Security Researcher. Today I want to share insights into a dangerous 0-day exploit that recently surfaced on underground forums—targeting the SS7 protocol that underpins global mobile communications.
What is SS7?
SS7 (Signaling System No. 7) is a protocol suite developed in the 1970s to handle call routing, messaging, and roaming services across telecom networks. Despite being critical, it's built on a trust-based model, which leaves it vulnerable to modern threats.
The Zero-Day Exploit
Hackers are now selling a new zero-day vulnerability that targets the Mobile Application Part (MAP) layer in SS7. This flaw lets attackers spoof network nodes by manipulating MAP messages like UpdateLocation and AnyTimeInterrogation.
- Intercept SMS messages, including OTPs for 2FA
- Track users’ real-time physical location
- Eavesdrop on voice calls
- Bypass SMS-based financial verifications
The Hacker Package
The exploit being sold includes not just the payload but also:
- A list of vulnerable telecom infrastructures
- Tools for target discovery via Shodan, Censys, Fofa, Google, and ZMap
Real-World Cases
This isn’t new—similar attacks were used in 2017 to drain bank accounts in Germany, and in 2019, Metro Bank in the UK faced an SS7-based breach.
How to Protect Yourself
- Telecoms: Implement SS7 firewalls and monitor MAP traffic
- Users: Avoid SMS-based 2FA; use app-based alternatives like Authy or Google Authenticator
Final Thoughts
While 4G/5G networks rely on newer protocols like Diameter, a vast number of devices still connect via 2G/3G, keeping SS7 attacks relevant. It's critical for both telecom providers and users to stay informed and take protective action.
Disclaimer
This write-up is purely for educational and awareness purposes. No part of it encourages misuse or illegal activity.
Purpose of This Write-Up
My goal is to educate the community about evolving threats and advocate for secure communication infrastructure. Stay safe and stay sharp!
