5G core network control plane: Network security challenges and solution requirements

The control plane of the 5G Core Network (5GCN) is essential for ensuring reliable and high-performance 5G communication. It provides critical network services such as authentication, user credentials, and privacy-sensitive signaling. However, the security threat landscape of the 5GCN control plane has largely expanded and it faces serious security threats from various sources and interfaces. In this paper, we analyze the new features and vulnerabilities of the 5GCN service-based architecture (SBA) with a focus on the control plane. We investigate the network threat surface in the 5GCN and outline potential vulnerabilities in the control plane. We develop a threat model to illustrate the potential threat sources, vulnerable interfaces, possible threats and their impacts. We provide a comprehensive survey of the existing security solutions, identify their challenges and propose possible solution requirements to address the network security challenges in the control plane of 5GCN and beyond.