Signaling oriented denial of service on LTE networks

Long Term Evolution (LTE) is seen as the key enabler for delivering the fourth generation of mobile broadband and is the first cellular network primarily designed based on IP. Thus, telecom operators must support the diverse IP-based mobile applications and all the overhead associated with such applications which is mainly in the a result of the increased signaling traffic. By taking advantage of the signaling overhead, a malicious user can cause severe overload on the operator's infrastructure denying legitimate users from accessing the network. This work presents a study of a denial of service (DoS) oriented signaling attack against LTE networks that takes advantage of the signaling overhead required to set up dedicated radio bearers. The attack scenario is simulated in OPNET, and the signaling traces are analyzed. Results show that a well-coordinated attack creates significant stress on the operator's resources and inhibits legitimate subscribers from obtaining proper services. Then, a detection mechanism that can be used to thwart such attacks is proposed.