Tag Archive for: vulnerabilities

Security has always been a debatable point for VoIP providers. Since it’s an Internet-based communication technology, it is vulnerable to various security threats. However, with a little caution and adherence to standard procedures, VoIP providers can safeguard you against vulnerabilities. In this article, we will be taking a look at a few vulnerabilities that could plague VoIP.

1. Lack of adequate data verification: Insufficient data verification can make VoIP extremely vulnerable to security breaches and VoIP providers need to keep this in mind.
2. Flaws in the execution: VoIP registrations and services are dependent on standard database operations. If there are flaws in the execution of SQL queries while fetching user data such as names and passwords, it can open up the system to unwanted threats. Poor input filtering and programming practices are a great problem during VoIP implementation.
3. Flaws in the manipulation of pointer/array/string: Protocol messages like SIP, SDP, H.323, RTP, MGCP, and SRTP can contain malformed packets. These often include boundary-value conditions and buffer-overflow attacks. The attacker can easily take control of the internal process when inputs provided by them get written all over internal memory data.
4. Low resources: VoIP services implemented in embedded devices with lower processing capability and memory can be easily shut down by the attackers.
5. Lower bandwidth: Often, VoIP providers offer services that cannot handle a higher call load because of lower bandwidth. The problem can’t be detected if the number of subscribers is lower. However, when there is a higher call volume, VoIP services operating on lower bandwidth can completely shut down.
6. Flaws in resource or file manipulation: Insecure access to files is a common mistake during VoIP implementation. This stems from poor and insecure programming constructs.
7. Password management: The SIP URL or phone number along with the password is the only way to access VoIP service. Passwords are stored in the server or client machines. Anyone with access to the server or client machine can use the password to use the VoIP services.
8. Privileges and permissions: All the resources need to be provided with adequate protection from the platform, network, and network related threats. VoIP services do not need administrative password or privilege to run. Hence, extra protection must be ensured.
9. Certificate and authentication errors: All devices and users need to be authenticated. User authentication is also needed to manage devices that run VoIP services. Hackers often tend to use the Registration flaw in SIP to falsely register themselves as a valid user.
10. Packet collision and poor connection quality: Packet loss within the data infrastructure is an indication that the network is not ready for VoIP implementation. VoIP providers should check for Network jitter and latency because these will be revealed as soon as VoIP is implemented.

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