Secure Random Access Identity Encryption Against 5G Pirate Broadcasting

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Solution Overview

Problem

5G NR networks are vulnerable to pirate broadcasting attacks during the random access procedure, where malicious UEs can intercept and rebroadcast contention resolution identities, compromising network security.

Innovation Solution

Implementing techniques such as using one-way hash functions, nonce values, or asymmetric key techniques to secure the contention resolution identity in the random access procedure, ensuring that only authorized UEs can decipher the message.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If contention resolution identity is transmitted in clear text during random access procedure, then ease of operation is improved, but network security deteriorates due to pirate broadcasting attacks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidnetwork security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary that encrypts the contention resolution identity before transmission and decrypts it after reception. The base station acts as a trusted mediator that protects the confidentiality of the identity information while enabling legitimate UEs to access the network. This resolves the contradiction by adding security infrastructure without preventing authorized access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the contention resolution identity from plaintext to encrypted form by changing its parameter state. The identity is encrypted using cryptographic algorithms before being included in the random access response message, and the encryption key is managed by the base station. This parameter change from clear text to encrypted text maintains security while allowing legitimate UEs to decrypt and use the identity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If encryption techniques are applied to contention resolution identity, then network security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service encryption where the base station automatically encrypts the contention resolution identity using its own cryptographic keys and capabilities. The base station manages its own encryption and decryption operations without requiring external security infrastructure or complex coordination with other network elements. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The base station performs multiple functions including encryption, decryption, key management, and random access response generation all within a single network element. By consolidating security functions in the base station rather than distributing them across multiple devices, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining robust security. The base station's multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate security appliances or complex peer-to-peer encryption protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12349206B2Secure random access procedure

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods for secure random access in wireless communication systems.