Researchers in South Korea have discovered 36 new vulnerabilities in LTE networks.

The flaws range in severity, but one of the worst examples could allow attackers to eavesdrop on user data traffic.

A team of researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology conducted the study and their findings are laid out in a new 16-page report.

Scroll down for video

Researchers have discovered 36 new vulnerabilities in LTE networks. The flaws range in severity, but one of the worst examples could allow attackers to eavesdrop on user data traffic

Researchers spotted the vulnerabilities by using a technique called 'fuzzing.'

This involves sending massive amounts of data, or 'fuzz,' to a test subject with the objective of pinpointing security loopholes.

They used a tool called 'LTEfuzz' to discover the particular exploits in LTE networks.

'LTEFuzz successfully identified 15 previously disclosed vulnerabilities and 36 new vulnerabilities in design and implementation among the different carriers and device vendors,' the report states.

Through a series of proof-of-concept attacks against operational LTE networks, they found a range of vulnerabilities.

One particular attack seeks to disconnect the user from their mobile network, while another sends spoofed SMS messages.

A team of researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology conducted the study and their findings are laid out in a new 16-page report

Pictured is a graphic breaking down how 'fuzzing' operates. Fuzzing involves sending massive amounts of data, or 'fuzz,' to a test subject with the objective of pinpointing security loopholes

The third, and perhaps most concerning, security flaw lets attackers manipulate and eavesdrop on user data traffic.

Researchers also found that the security issues can vary based on different factors.

For example, one carrier can have different vulnerabilities on two different pieces of networking hardware.

Additionally, one piece of networking equipment can experience different vulnerabilities when used by two separate carriers.

A comprehensive report detailing the researchers' full findings will be presented at the IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy in late May.

The research comes as many carriers are moving to adopt next-generation 5G networks.

5G mobile networks are said by many to be more secure than LTE or 4G networks, but security experts have already identified flaws.