Sniffing 5G with Software-Defined Radio

The fifth generation mobile communications protocol (5G) is undoubtedly one of the most complex and sophisticated wireless protocols ever created. Boasting mind-boggling download speeds, advanced beam-forming base stations, and a plethora of non-standard additions, it's no wonder that analyzing 5G for home hackers and researchers can be a daunting task. However, this didn't stop the ASSET Research Group from taking on the challenge and developing a cutting-edge 5G sniffer and downlink injector.

The crux of the project lies in real-time sniffing using one of two Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) software-defined radios (SDRs), coupled with an impressive amount of compute power. This allows for the capture and analysis of vast amounts of data, which can even be piped into popular network analysis tools like Wireshark for further filtering and analysis. Notably, the frequency used in the sniffer is hard-coded to improve performance, with the n78 and n41 bands having been specifically targeted as of writing.

While most enthusiasts may not have access to the supported USRP hardware, ASSET Research Group has provided a sample capture file for anyone to analyze and learn from. This initiative serves as a testament to the group's commitment to transparency and community engagement. For those interested in delving deeper into 5G sniffing without needing specialized hardware, there's an exciting hack that transforms a Qualcomm phone into a functional 5G sniffer.

Exploitation Framework: Uncovering Vulnerabilities

The other main feature of the ASSET Research Group's project is an exploitation framework, which boasts numerous attack vectors developed by the group and others. By repurposing an SDR as a malicious 5G base station, researchers can exploit various vulnerabilities to achieve results ranging from downgrading connections to 4G, fingerprinting, and even more severe consequences.

One such vulnerability is the "5Ghull" attack method, which was previously discussed on this platform. This attack has been shown to cause device failure, necessitating the removal of the SIM card. These vulnerabilities provide a unique window into the inner workings of 5G, allowing researchers to better understand its strengths and weaknesses.

ASSET Research Group's exploitation framework serves as a powerful tool for 5G enthusiasts and security experts alike, offering a deeper understanding of the intricacies of 5G network architecture. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with this technology, we can expect even more innovative solutions and discoveries in the coming months.

For those interested in exploring 5G sniffing but don't have access to the required hardware, we encourage you to check out this hack turning a Qualcomm phone into a 5G sniffer. With this project, researchers can gain hands-on experience with 5G analysis and exploitation while staying within the bounds of legality and safety.