SMS Status Report Validation via Timing Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communications networks, particularly those using SS7 and Diameter protocols, are vulnerable to fraudulent short message delivery status reports, leading to denial-of-service attacks where legitimate SMS messages are prevented from being delivered to available mobile subscribers due to unvalidated status reports.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a short message delivery status report validation method at a network node using a data store to determine the validity of reports based on validation time periods and subscriber information, discarding invalid reports to prevent malicious activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If short message delivery status reports are accepted without validation, then network processing speed is improved, but network security deteriorates due to fraudulent reports causing denial-of-service attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by validating short message delivery status reports before processing them further. The home location register checks whether a delivery status report corresponds to a previously sent short message by comparing message identifiers and timing information before accepting the report, thereby preventing fraudulent reports from compromising network security while maintaining processing efficiency.
2Reliability
If validation of short message delivery status reports is implemented, then network security is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional validation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the home location register's existing data stores and processing capabilities to validate delivery status reports. The system leverages already-stored short message delivery information and timing data to perform validation without requiring external validation services or complex additional infrastructure, thereby improving security while minimizing increases in device complexity.
3Loss of time
If fraudulent delivery status reports are processed, then loss of time is reduced, but loss of information increases due to incorrect delivery status updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a validation mechanism that checks delivery status reports against recorded delivery attempts and timing information. The home location register compares the received delivery status report with its stored records to verify authenticity before updating delivery status, ensuring that only accurate information is processed and preventing loss of information while maintaining efficient message delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for short message delivery status report validation are disclosed. One method occurs at a first network node. The method includes receiving a short message delivery status report appearing to be associated with a short message delivery to a mobile subscriber; determining, using a data store containing information about short message delivery attempts, whether the short message delivery status report is valid or invalid, wherein the information about the short message delivery attempts indicates a validation time period for receiving a valid short message delivery status report; and performing a processing action based on the determination.