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)
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. port 5357 hacktricks
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
Related searches (suggested terms): port 5357 WSD, WSD SOAP GetDeviceInformation, disable WSD Windows, nmap http-wsd-discover
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 is primarily associated with Web Services for Devices (WSDAPI)
, a Microsoft implementation used for discovering and communicating with network-connected devices like printers and scanners over HTTP. The Role of Port 5357 Port 5357: Deep Dive into WSDAPI and Network
On modern Windows systems, Port 5357 (TCP) acts as a local web server for the
. It allows devices to advertise their presence and services on a local network without manual configuration. While useful for seamless hardware integration, it often presents a surface for information gathering during a security assessment. Security Implications and Pentesting According to methodologies found on resources like HackTricks
, every open port is a potential entry point or data source. For Port 5357, the primary risks include: Information Disclosure
: The service can leak metadata such as device hostnames, manufacturer details, and network paths. Attackers use this for fingerprinting
the internal network to identify specific Windows versions or hardware models. Vulnerability Surface
: Historically, this service has been susceptible to memory corruption. For example, Microsoft Security Bulletin MS09-063
addressed a critical vulnerability where specially crafted headers could lead to remote code execution. Lateral Movement
: By interacting with WSD, an attacker might identify other vulnerable devices on the subnet that wouldn't otherwise be visible through standard scanning. Practical Assessment Steps
If you encounter Port 5357 during a scan, consider the following: Identify the Process : Use commands like netstat -anb | find "5357"
to verify that the system is actively listening and to confirm it is indeed the Windows WSD service. Service Probing
: Attempt to browse the port via HTTP. While it may not serve a traditional webpage, it may respond with XML data or SOAP responses that reveal device identity. Network Context
: Note that this port is typically open in unmanaged or small office networks where "Network Discovery" is enabled. In highly secured environments, hardening recommendations
suggest blocking this port at the firewall level to prevent unnecessary information leakage. specific Nmap scripts for enumerating WSD services, or are you looking for firewall configuration steps to secure this port?
You're likely referring to the Port 5357, which is associated with the Windows SMB (Server Message Block) protocol, specifically for the "Key Management Service" (KMS) or Windows Activation. However, another notable usage of port 5357 is related to the SSDP (Simple Service Discovery Protocol) and UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) protocols, often exploited in IoT and network-related attacks.
Let's steer towards the information related to HackTricks, which seems to be what you're looking for: Summary checklist
⚠️ Always have proper authorization before scanning or testing port 5357 on any system.
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:
I notice you're asking about "port 5357 hacktricks" — this likely refers to port 5357 and its potential relevance in penetration testing or security research, possibly documented on the HackTricks platform.
Here’s what I can tell you:
# Using wsd-client tools (if installed)
wsdd – discover
wsddebug.js or wsdump (from impacket)
Information Disclosure
GET / or GET /description may leak device metadata, firmware versions, or internal network info.No Authentication by Default
SSRF via WSD
http://127.0.0.1:5357, it might be used for SSRF to attack internal devices.DOS / Replay Attacks