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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM42086
Volume:
9 |
3 |
Mar 2025
Pages:
1-5
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Sr. Solutions Architect & Engineering
MVNO Connect LLC, USA
The adoption of Service-Based Architecture (SBA) in 5G core networks provides flexible, scalable, and cloud-native communication through interconnected Network Functions (NFs) and Service-Based Interfaces (SBIs). However, the extensive use of HTTP/2, RESTful APIs, JSON, TLS, and token-based authorization introduces new cybersecurity risks and expands the attack surface of the 5G core. This paper presents a systematic analysis of security vulnerabilities in 5G SBA, focusing on broken authentication, improper service authorization, API exploitation, HTTP/2 stream multiplexing attacks, denial-of-service (DoS), service-discovery abuse, certificate-related weaknesses, and compromised network functions. The proposed approach analyzes SBA components and categorizes vulnerabilities according to their attack vectors, potential impact, and security risk levels. Security monitoring and anomaly-detection mechanisms are also considered for identifying suspicious SBI traffic and abnormal network-function behavior. Recent research demonstrates that HTTP/2 stream multiplexing can contribute to DoS conditions against 5G network functions, emphasizing the need for intelligent monitoring and mitigation. The study provides a structured foundation for improving the security, resilience, and reliability of next-generation 5G core networks.
KEYWORDS
The proposed 5G SBA Vulnerability Assessment and Detection Framework provides a systematic approach for identifying and analyzing security weaknesses in the Service-Based Architecture of 5G core networks. The framework focuses on critical Network Functions and Service-Based Interfaces, considering vulnerabilities related to authentication, authorization, API security, HTTP/2 communication, service discovery, Network Function exposure, and cloud-native deployment. The proposed methodology combines vulnerability identification, attack-surface analysis, risk classification, traffic monitoring, and security evaluation to provide a comprehensive view of the 5G SBA security landscape. The evaluation demonstrates that continuous monitoring and structured vulnerability assessment can improve the identification of malicious SBI traffic and critical security weaknesses. Strong authentication, mutual TLS, API authorization, input validation, rate limiting, certificate management, and network segmentation can further reduce the impact of identified threats. The framework therefore provides a scalable foundation for improving the confidentiality, integrity, availability, and resilience of 5G core networks. Overall, the proposed approach can assist network operators and security administrators in prioritizing vulnerabilities and implementing appropriate mitigation mechanisms for secure 5G SBA deployments.
[1] G. M. Køien, “On Threats to the 5G Service Based Architecture,” Wireless Personal Communications, vol. 119, pp. 97–116, 2021, doi: 10.1007/s11277-021-08200-0. [2] K. Cherladine, “AI-Powered Networked Management: The Future of MVNOs and MVNAs,” International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology, vol. 72, no. 8, pp. 180–189, 2024. [3] L. Zhang et al., “Secure Cloud Architecture for 5G Core Network,” Chinese Journal of Electronics, 2021. The work proposes a security architecture for 5G core SBA using container isolation, heterogeneous components, and dynamic reconfiguration. [4] G. Peinado Gomez, J. Mongay Batalla, Y. Miche, S. Holtmanns, C. X. Mavromoustakis, G. Mastorakis, and N. Haider, “Security Policies Definition and Enforcement Utilizing Policy Control Function Framework in 5G,” Computer Communications, vol. 172, pp. 226–237, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.comcom.2021.03.024. [5] K. Cherladine, “Innovative Telecom: MVNOs and MVNAs Leveraging Cloud-Based Technologies,” International Journal of Computer Trends and Technology, vol. 72, no. 8, pp. 190–198, 2024. [6] Q. Qiu, “Study on Security and Privacy in 5G-Enabled Applications,” Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing, 2020, Art. no. 8856683, doi: 10.1155/2020/8856683. [7] P. Ranaweera, A. Jurcut, and M. Liyanage, “MEC-Enabled 5G Use Cases: A Survey on Security Vulnerabilities and Countermeasures,” ACM Computing Surveys, vol. 54, no. 9, Art. no. 186, 2021, doi: 10.1145/3474552. [8] J. A. Cichonski, “PSCR 2020—5G Security: Evolution Not Revolution,” National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2020. [9] C. Jost, “Security for 5G Service-Based Architecture: What You Need to Know,” Ericsson Technology Review/Blog, Aug. 2020. [10] 3GPP TS 33.501, “Security Architecture and Procedures for 5G System,” 3rd Generation Partnership Project, Release 16, 2020.
Publication Date
3/26/2025
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this research work.
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