Port 5357 is used by the Web Services for Devices API (WSDAPI), a Microsoft implementation of the WS-Discovery protocol. It allows Windows systems to automatically discover and communicate with network devices like printers, scanners, and cameras over HTTP. Service Summary Service Name: wsdapi Common Banner: Microsoft-HTTPAPI/2.0 Protocol: HTTP over TCP (Port 5357) or HTTPS (Port 5358).
Discovery Mechanism: Often works in tandem with UDP Port 3702 (multicast) for initial discovery before moving to TCP 5357 for communication. Security Risks & Enumeration
While HackTricks does not currently have a dedicated page for "Port 5357," it appears in general Windows enumeration checklists and involves the following risks:
Information Disclosure: WSD can leak metadata including hostnames, device models (e.g., printer types), network paths, and unique device identifiers (GUIDs).
Legacy Remote Code Execution (RCE): A critical vulnerability (MS09-063 / CVE-2009-2512) allowed unauthenticated RCE via specially crafted WSD headers on Windows Vista and Server 2008.
Fingerprinting: The Microsoft-HTTPAPI/2.0 banner confirms a Windows-based web service is running, which helps attackers identify the target OS.
Lateral Movement: Exposed printer or scanner interfaces can sometimes be accessed without authentication, potentially allowing job manipulation or further reconnaissance within a local network. Mitigation Additional WS-Discovery Functionality - Win32 apps
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What is Port 5357?
Port 5357 is a UDP port used by the Windows operating system for the Windows Remote Management (WinRM) service, also known as the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) or Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). It's also used for the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and other management applications.
HackTricks: Port 5357
In the context of HackTricks, a popular platform for learning penetration testing and cybersecurity, Port 5357 is an interesting target for exploration.
Information Gathering
When exploring Port 5357 during a penetration test or vulnerability assessment, you may be able to gather information about the target system, such as:
Potential Vulnerabilities
Some potential vulnerabilities associated with Port 5357 include:
Exploitation Techniques
Some possible exploitation techniques for Port 5357 include:
HackTricks Resources
For more information on Port 5357 and related topics, check out these HackTricks resources:
Conclusion
Port 5357 is an interesting target for exploration during penetration tests and vulnerability assessments. Understanding the services running on this port and potential vulnerabilities can help you better assess and secure your systems. For more information, be sure to check out the HackTricks resources listed above.
is used by the Web Services for Devices API (WSDAPI) , a Microsoft protocol for discovering and communicating with devices like printers and scanners over HTTP in local networks. PentestPad
While HackTricks does not currently have a dedicated standalone page for Port 5357, this port is essentially a Web Service (HTTP)
, and the techniques for pentesting it are covered under their broader web and Windows discovery guides. 1. Identify the Service Port 5357 typically runs a web server that responds to WS-Discovery requests. You can confirm the service details using Nmap: nmap -sV -p 5357
The most common vulnerability on this port is leaking metadata. Attackers can often retrieve: and computer names. Printer/Scanner models and manufacturer details. Internal network paths and device metadata useful for further targeting. PentestPad 3. Enumeration via Browser
Since it is HTTP-based, you can try accessing it directly in a browser:
Understanding the use and potential vulnerabilities of port 5357 and related protocols like SSDP and UPnP can significantly improve network security. Utilizing resources like HackTricks can enhance your knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, from basic to advanced levels.
The silent hum of the server room was broken only by the rhythmic blinking of a workstation. An analyst, following a standard pentesting methodology from HackTricks , noticed a curious entry in an Port 5357 (TCP)
Tracing the digital breadcrumbs, the analyst discovered this port belongs to the Web Services for Devices API (WSDAPI)
, a Microsoft service designed to let devices like printers and scanners "plug-and-play" over a network. While helpful for office efficiency, it was a known Information Disclosure
risk, leaking hostnames and metadata that could be used for fingerprinting the internal environment.
The story took a darker turn as the analyst dug into legacy vulnerabilities. In older systems like Windows Vista and Server 2008, a critical memory corruption flaw (MS09-063) once allowed attackers to achieve Remote Code Execution
simply by sending a message with a "specially crafted" long header. Though patched years ago, this specific port remains a subtle marker of a machine's network discovery configuration, often accessible if the Windows Firewall is set to anything other than "Public". To secure the network, the analyst recommended: Filtering access
to Port 5357 so it is only reachable on trusted local subnets. Disabling Network Discovery for public profiles via Advanced Sharing Settings. Unchecking WSD ports in printer properties if they are not strictly required.
The investigation concluded with a reminder: even the most convenient "plug-and-play" features can become an open door if left unmonitored.
Port 5357 – WSDAPI (Web Services for Devices) - PentestPad port 5357 hacktricks
Port 5357: WSDAPI Enumeration and Penetration Testing Port 5357 (TCP) is primarily used by the Web Services for Devices API (WSDAPI), Microsoft's implementation of the WS-Discovery protocol. It allows Windows systems to automatically discover and communicate with network-connected devices like printers, scanners, and file shares over HTTP. In a penetration testing context, this port is often a target for fingerprinting Windows environments or exploiting legacy memory corruption vulnerabilities. Service Overview
WSDAPI facilitates a "plug-and-play" network experience. It typically utilizes: TCP Port 5357: HTTP-based communication. TCP Port 5358: HTTPS-based communication (secure channel). UDP Port 3702: Multicast discovery (WS-Discovery).
The service is generally active on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2008 and later. Enumeration and Information Gathering
During a network assessment, port 5357 is highly useful for fingerprinting the target system. 1. Nmap Scanning
You can use Nmap to identify the service and its version. Since it runs over HTTP, standard service discovery flags are effective: nmap -p 5357 -sV Use code with caution.
Nmap typically identifies this as http or microsoft-httpapi. If the port appears open on every host in a subnet, it may be due to network-level forwarding or a firewall configuration rather than the service actually being active on every individual host. 2. Service Metadata
WSDAPI can leak significant metadata that aids in lateral movement: Hostnames and computer names. Device metadata such as printer models or scanner types. Network paths and file share locations. Known Vulnerabilities and Exploitation MS09-063: Memory Corruption (CVE-2009-2512)
One of the most critical vulnerabilities associated with WSDAPI is a stack-based buffer overflow.
Port 5357 – WSDAPI (Web Services for Devices) - PentestPad
Port 5357: The Double-Edged Sword of Network Discovery
In the landscape of cybersecurity and penetration testing, open ports are the gateway to potential compromise. While high-profile ports like 22 (SSH), 80 (HTTP), and 445 (SMB) garner the most attention, lesser-known service ports often provide the stealthy footholds that attackers exploit. One such vector is TCP port 5357, associated with the Web Services for Devices (WSD) and the Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution (LLMNR) protocol suite. In security resources like HackTricks, this port is highlighted not necessarily for a single catastrophic vulnerability, but as a significant information disclosure vector and a relic of convenience that creates unnecessary network exposure in modern Windows environments.
Port 5357 is utilized by the "Function Discovery Resource Publication" service in Windows. This service allows the computer to publish its presence and discover other devices on the local network without requiring a centralized DNS server. While this is convenient for home users setting up printers or sharing media, in an enterprise environment, it creates a channel where machines broadcast their existence to anyone listening. In the context of penetration testing, as outlined in HackTricks methodology, the first phase of an attack is enumeration. An open port 5357 offers a low-effort, high-yield target for reconnaissance.
When assessing port 5357, the primary risk is information disclosure. By querying this port, an attacker can extract metadata about the target system without authentication. Tools such as ntbscan or custom scripts utilizing the Python impacket library can send a probe to the port and receive a response containing the computer name, workgroup, and operating system version. This is critical intelligence for an attacker; knowing the exact OS version allows them to tailor exploits specifically for that environment, bypassing generic defenses. The enumeration of this port aligns with the HackTricks philosophy of "trust but verify"—assuming a network is secure until an open port reveals that a machine is unnecessarily broadcasting its fingerprint.
Furthermore, the existence of this service suggests a broader security misconfiguration: the reliance on legacy discovery protocols. Port 5357 often works in tandem with UDP port 5355 (LLMNR) and UDP port 5353 (mDNS). The presence of port 5357 signals to an attacker that the network may be reliant on legacy broadcasting mechanisms. This opens the door to more complex attacks, such as LLMNR/NBT-NS poisoning (via tools like Responder). If a system is broadcasting its existence on port 5357, it is highly likely listening for name resolution requests on associated ports, allowing an attacker to intercept traffic and potentially capture password hashes by spoofing legitimate server responses.
From a defensive perspective, the mitigation strategies for port 5357 are straightforward but frequently overlooked in corporate governance. The standard recommendation is to disable the "Function Discovery Resource Publication" service and "SSDP Discovery" service on machines that do not require device broadcasting. In a hardened Active Directory environment, workstations should rely on the Domain Name System (DNS) rather than peer-to-peer discovery. Closing this port reduces the attack surface by silencing the machine on the local network segment, making it invisible to casual scanners.
In conclusion, port 5357 serves as a prime example of how convenience features can evolve into security liabilities. It is rarely the point of initial exploitation, but it acts as a signpost, directing attackers toward vulnerable hosts and legacy configurations. Security frameworks and knowledge bases like HackTricks emphasize the enumeration of such ports because security is often about eliminating small data leaks that cumulatively paint a complete picture of the target network. By understanding and securing port 5357, administrators can remove a vital reconnaissance tool from the attacker’s arsenal, reinforcing the principle that a secure network is often a silent network.
Port 5357: Deep Dive into WSDAPI and Network Discovery In modern Windows environments, port 5357 (TCP) is a frequently encountered service that often appears during internal network scans. While it is a standard component for device discovery, it can provide valuable information for penetration testers or present a security risk if mismanaged. What is Port 5357?
Port 5357 is primarily used by the Web Services for Devices API (WSDAPI), which is Microsoft's implementation of the WS-Discovery protocol. Its core function is to allow devices on a local network—such as printers, scanners, and file shares—to advertise their presence and discover one another without the need for manual configuration or a central server. Service Name: http Protocol: TCP (typically) Associated Port: 5358 (often used as the HTTPS counterpart) Port 5357 is used by the Web Services
Operating Systems: Primarily Windows Vista and later, including Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server. How WSDAPI Works
The discovery process usually begins with a multicast message over UDP port 3702. Once a device is discovered and a handshake is completed, further communication and data exchange move to TCP port 5357 (HTTP) or TCP port 5358 (HTTPS).
This allows applications like the Windows Print Spooler or Windows Fax and Scan to communicate directly with WSD-enabled hardware. Many network printers from manufacturers like HP, Brother, Canon, and Epson expose a WSD endpoint on this port by default. Penetration Testing and Information Leakage
From a security perspective, port 5357 is often scrutinized for potential information leakage. Even without active exploitation, an open port 5357 can disclose:
Device Metadata: Printer names, hostnames, and network paths.
Fingerprinting: Details about the operating system and service versions.
Lateral Movement: Exposed printer admin pages may allow attackers to intercept print jobs or move through the network. Notable Vulnerabilities
Historically, WSDAPI has been subject to critical vulnerabilities:
CVE-2009-2512 (MS09-063): A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability. Attackers could send a crafted WS-Discovery message with an overly long "MIME-Version" string to execute arbitrary code with service-level privileges.
CVE-2020-0796 (SMBGhost): While primarily an SMBv3 vulnerability, some research has linked WSD-exposed interfaces to broader exploit chains in similar network discovery contexts. Detection and Mitigation
To verify if port 5357 is active on a machine, administrators can use the following command in a Windows Command Prompt:netstat -abno | findstr 5357 Recommended Security Measures
Disable Network Discovery: If the machine is on a public network, disable "Network Discovery" in the Advanced sharing settings of the Control Panel.
Firewall Filtering: Ensure the Windows Firewall is configured to only allow connections on port 5357 from the local network (LAN) and never from the public internet.
Patching: Regularly update Windows systems to mitigate legacy vulnerabilities like MS09-063.
Use Alternative Protocols: In high-security environments, consider replacing WSD with more authenticated protocols like IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) or LPD.
Or perhaps you'd like to explore how to disable this port via Group Policy? PentestPad
Port 5357 – WSDAPI (Web Services for Devices) - PentestPad
# Using wsd-client tools (if installed)
wsdd – discover
HTTP/1.1 200 OK
Content-Type: application/soap+xml
Server: Microsoft-HTTPAPI/2.0
wsdpy tool by ianlingHackTricks often notes that port 5357 may be: Service detection : Identifying the services running on