GTP-C TEID Scanning & GPRS Core Tunnel Hijacking across Roaming IPX
Positive Technologies disclosed critical architectural flaws in GTP (GPRS Tunnelling Protocol) across 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, demonstrating how attackers on IPX roaming networks could hijack subscriber data sessions and execute over-the-air fraud.
01Video Presentation & Conference Keynote
02Deep-Dive Technical Analysis
GTP control plane (GTP-C) messages traverse inter-operator GPRS Roaming Exchanges (GRX) and IP eXchange (IPX) networks to establish subscriber data tunnels between the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) / Serving Gateway (SGW) and the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) / Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW). Researchers proved that spoofed `Create PDP Context Request` and `Modify Bearer Request` messages with brute-forced Tunnel Endpoint Identifiers (TEIDs) were accepted by peer operators without cryptographic origin authentication, allowing attackers to hijack subscriber traffic, drain data quotas, or impersonate MNO APNs.
03Vulnerability & Exploit Flow
Unauthenticated GTP-C signaling injection across IPX peering points and TEID prediction.
04Recommended Defense & Mitigation Protocol
Deploy GSMA FS.20 compliant GTP firewalls, enforce IPX source IP anti-spoofing, and validate TEID state consistency.
05Security Impact & Geopolitical Consequence
06Authoritative Standards & External References
07Related Topic Cluster Records
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