Can Canadian Telecoms Effectively Defend Against China-linked Salt Typhoon’s Sophisticated Cyber Attacks

In mid-February 2025, the Canada Centre for Cyber Security and the FBI issued an advisory about the China-linked Salt Typhoon group exploiting a critical Cisco IOS XE vulnerability (CVE-2023-20198) to breach a major Canadian telecommunications provider.

This attack involved unauthorized access to configuration files for network devices and the establishment of GRE tunnels to intercept network traffic.

The stealth and sophistication of Salt Typhoon's methods highlight the increasing risks faced by telecom infrastructure, which serves as vital arteries for national and global communications.

Critical Cisco Vulnerability Exploited for Persistent Access

Salt Typhoon leveraged a vulnerability with a perfect CVSS score of 10.0, enabling them to bypass security controls and manipulate network device configurations.

The attackers modified configuration files to create Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) tunnels, allowing them to collect and exfiltrate sensitive data over extended periods.

This exploitation demonstrates the critical need for timely patching and robust network monitoring to prevent persistent unauthorized access.

Did you know?
Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) tunnels are often exploited by attackers to stealthily route malicious traffic through compromised networks, enabling covert data exfiltration and command-and-control communications.

Challenges in Defending Edge Network Devices

Edge network devices, such as routers and firewalls, remain prime targets for state-sponsored actors due to their strategic position within telecom networks.

Salt Typhoon’s focus on these devices reflects their value in enabling attackers to maintain long-term footholds and conduct reconnaissance.

To protect these devices, we need strong threat detection, regular checks for weaknesses, and a security approach that stays ahead of new attack methods.

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Broader Implications for Global Telecom Security

The Salt Typhoon campaign is part of a wider pattern of cyber espionage targeting telecommunications firms worldwide, as reported by cybersecurity firms like Recorded Future.

Similar attacks have been observed in the U.S., South Africa, and Italy, indicating a coordinated effort to compromise critical infrastructure globally.

This trend calls for enhanced international cooperation and information sharing to bolster defense mechanisms and respond swiftly to emerging threats.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Posture in the Telecom Sector

To counter threats like Salt Typhoon, Canadian telecoms must invest in comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks, including regular software updates, incident response planning, and employee training.

Collaboration with government agencies and private cybersecurity firms can also enhance threat intelligence and resilience.

The integration of advanced technologies such as AI-driven anomaly detection and zero-trust architectures can further fortify defenses against sophisticated adversaries.