SIM Presence Verification Using UE-Initiated QR Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Social engineering attacks can deceive cellular service providers into believing a SIM is present in the wrong device, allowing unauthorized account changes, as traditional one-time PIN verification is easily compromised by man-in-the-middle attacks.
Innovation Solution
UE self-initiated verification process using an IP address to match a SIM address list, generating a time-sensitive scannable code that confirms the SIM's presence, enabling secure account changes without removing the SIM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional one-time PIN verification is used, then account security is maintained, but the system becomes vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and social engineering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a verification website as an intermediary between the UE and the retail facility. This intermediary verifies the SIM presence by checking the UE's IP address against a SIM address list maintained by the cellular service provider, thereby preventing man-in-the-middle attacks without requiring SIM removal
Solution Approach 2:
The UE performs self-verification by automatically checking its own IP address against the SIM address list through the verification website. This self-service mechanism confirms SIM presence without requiring manual intervention or SIM card removal, enhancing security while maintaining ease of use
2Measurement precision
If SIM card removal is required for verification, then verification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of physically removing the SIM card with an electronic verification process. The UE's IP address is electronically checked against the SIM address list, providing accurate verification without any physical manipulation of the SIM card, thus maintaining simplicity
3Reliability
If one-time PIN is used for verification, then account protection is maintained, but the verification process can be deceived by social engineering attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The verification website acts as a secure intermediary that independently verifies SIM presence through IP address matching against the SIM address list. This eliminates reliance on potentially compromised one-time PINs and prevents social engineering attacks, as the verification is performed automatically based on network identifiers rather than user-provided credentials
Data Source
AI summary
Verification of a subscriber identity module (SIM), without requiring that the SIM be removed from a user equipment (UE, e.g., a cellphone), is provided in a UE self-initiated process. The UE scans a code (e.g., a QR code posted in a retail facility), or opens an app, to visit a verification website. The UE sends its IP address and/or the identifier (ID) of the SIM inside. If the verification website determines that the IP address of the UE or the SIM ID has a match in a SIM address list, which associates UE IP address and SIM IDs (e.g., integrated circuit card identifiers, ICCIDs), the UE is provided with a time-sensitive scannable code (e.g., QR code) that indicates the UE's SIM is verified. An employee of the wireless carrier scans the code with a terminal to identify the verification and grant access to make changes to the associated user account.