# Evaluating the Security of Open Radio Access Networks

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2201.06080 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2201.06080/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 16 Jan 2022.

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [ML-Enabled Open RAN: A Comprehensive Survey of Architectures, Challenges, and Opportunities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.01239/) (2026)
- [Towards Secure Intelligent O-RAN Architecture: Vulnerabilities, Threats and Promising Technical Solutions using LLMs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2411.08640/) (2024)
- [Rogue Cell: Adversarial Attack and Defense in Untrusted O-RAN Setup Exploiting the Traffic Steering xApp](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2505.01816/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) is a promising RAN architecture, aimed at reshaping the RAN industry toward an open, adaptive, and intelligent RAN. In this paper, we conducted a comprehensive security analysis of Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN). Specifically, we review the architectural blueprint designed by the O-RAN alliance -- A leading force in the cellular ecosystem. Within the security analysis, we provide a detailed overview of the O-RAN architecture; present an ontology for evaluating the security of a system, which is currently at an early development stage; detect the primary risk areas to O-RAN; enumerate the various threat actors to O-RAN; and model potential threats to O-RAN. The significance of this work is providing an updated attack surface to cellular network operators. Based on the attack surface, cellular network operators can carefully deploy the appropriate countermeasure for increasing the security of O-RAN.