The security flaws discovered by the Berlin-based Security Research Labs could affect a telecommunications standard known as Signaling System 7, or SS7, which is used by cell phone carriers to manage connections between cellular networks.
The flaws include functions that are built into SS7 such as keeping calls connected as users speed down highways as well as switching between cell towers.
The German researchers said a skilled person could use the shortcomings for surveillance of mobile phone traffic.
“Given how valuable such spying capabilities are to states and other criminal actors, I would be very surprised if we are first to find these hacking vectors,” company researcher Karsten Nohl said Friday.
Nohl further said cellphone companies were quietly informed of the problematic issue earlier this month.
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