Port 5357 Hacktricks File

The fluorescent lights of the server room hummed in a frequency that always gave Elena a mild headache. She cracked her knuckles, the sound sharp in the quiet room. On her screen, the target was a mid-sized accounting firm—let's call them "Ledger & Sons"—who had failed their annual penetration test.

Her job was simple: find the weakness before the bad guys did.

Elena scanned the IP range. Most ports were what she expected: 443 for the web server, 22 for SSH (hardened, thankfully), and 139/445 for file sharing. But one port glowed like a red thumb on her Nmap output.

PORT STATE SERVICE 5357/tcp open wsd

"Web Services for Devices," Elena muttered to herself, opening a new tab in her browser. She navigated to HackTricks, the bible for modern penetration testers. She typed the port number into the search bar.

The page loaded, confirming her suspicion. Port 5357 was used by Windows for WS-Discovery (WSD). It was a protocol designed to help devices find each other on a network—printers announcing their presence, laptops looking for scanners. But as HackTricks noted, it was often the Achilles' heel of lazy network configurations.

"In an Active Directory environment," she read, "if this port is exposed to the internet or an untrusted zone, it can leak a wealth of information without authentication."

Elena leaned forward. The Nmap script scanner (-sV) had identified the service, but she needed more than just a version number. She needed a name.

She pulled up her terminal. According to HackTricks, the best way to interact with this service wasn't a complex exploit script, but a simple, specially crafted UDP packet sent to the multicast address. However, since she was testing from the outside, she had to target the specific IP directly.

If this was a Windows machine, and if it was chatty, she could force it to identify itself.

She typed the command, referencing a specific Python script found in the HackTricks references, a tool designed to send a Probe directive.

python wsd_probe.py target-ip

She hit Enter.

For a second, nothing happened. Then, the terminal flooded with XML data.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <soap:Envelope...> ... <wsa:Address>urn:uuid:56e-etc...</wsa:Address> ... <pub:Computer>LEDGER-DC01</pub:Computer> ...

Elena smirked. "Gotcha."

The machine on Port 5357 had just introduced itself. It wasn't just a workstation; LEDGER-DC01 was a Domain Controller. The most sensitive machine in the entire infrastructure, the keys to the kingdom, was responding to anonymous queries on a port that should have been firewalled.

But the HackTricks page had warned about a darker possibility. Sometimes, this port was tied to the "Network Discovery" feature, which utilized the LLMNR (Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution) and NBNS protocols. While this was technically a different vector, they often overlapped in misconfigurations.

Elena decided to press her luck. She modified her probe, attempting to spoof a request.

If the system was configured poorly—and the fact that 5357 was open to the internet suggested it was—she might be able to see what other devices LEDGER-DC01 trusted.

She crafted a second packet, this time pretending to be a printer looking for a driver share.

The response came back instantly. The server provided a list of workgroups, including one named LEDGER-ADMIN, and detailed endpoint references for network shares that hadn't been mapped during the initial scan.

<xaddr>http://LEDGER-DC01:5357/37482...</xaddr> port 5357 hacktricks

It was a small leak, but in cybersecurity, leaks sink ships. With the hostname LEDGER-DC01 confirmed, Elena could now launch a targeted brute-force attack or a password spraying attempt against the VPN portal. She didn't need to guess the username format anymore; she knew the naming convention.

She closed her laptop and rubbed her temples. The headache was still there, but the satisfaction of a successful find dulled the pain.

She opened her report editor and began typing the executive summary.

"Recommendation: Block Port 5357/tcp on the perimeter firewall immediately. The exposed WS-Discovery service allowed for the enumeration of the primary Domain Controller hostname ('LEDGER-DC01') and internal network topology without authentication."

She added a footnote: Reference: HackTricks - Pentesting 5357 Port.

It was a classic case of convenience overriding security. Microsoft had enabled the service by default to make networking "plug and play," but for a hacker, it was a "plug and play" welcome mat. Elena saved the file. Ledger & Sons were going to have a long week of patching ahead of them.

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

This report outlines the security implications of Port 5357 (TCP) , commonly used by the Web Services for Devices (WSDAPI)

in Windows environments, often referred to in penetration testing resources like HackTricks as a target for service discovery and potential exploitation. 1. What is Port 5357? WSDAPI (Web Services for Devices API) - WSDAPI.dll.

Enables automatic discovery of network-connected devices (printers, scanners, cameras) over HTTP, allowing them to communicate on local networks without needing central servers or manual configuration.

Usually open on Windows clients (Vista and later), IoT devices, and network printers. Associated Ports:

5357 (HTTP), 5358 (HTTPS), and 3702 (UDP - multicast for discovery). PentestPad 2. HackTricks & Pentesting Context: Common Risks

Penetration testers and hackers often target this port for the following reasons: Information Disclosure/Reconnaissance: The fluorescent lights of the server room hummed

WSD can leak service details, including hostnames, printer names, network paths, and device metadata. This is valuable for fingerprinting the network. Unauthorized Access:

Poorly secured WSD services can expose printer admin pages, allowing attackers to manipulate or intercept print jobs. Lateral Movement:

Attackers use this port to identify internal devices to pivot from a workstation to network devices. PentestPad 3. Vulnerabilities and Exploits CVE-2009-2512 (MS09-063):

A significant memory corruption vulnerability exists where a crafted WS-Discovery message with an overly long MIME-Version string can lead to stack corruption and arbitrary code execution. WSDAPI RCE (CVE-2020-0796/Related):

A specially crafted packet sent to the WSDAPI can cause a crash (denial of service) or potentially allow Remote Code Execution (RCE). Attack Vectors:

Attackers on the local subnet (intranet) can send malicious packets to the service, though it is usually blocked by firewall settings from the public internet. 4. Mitigation and Security Best Practices Disable Network Discovery:

For public networks, deactivate Network Discovery to close the port. Firewall Configuration:

Ensure the Windows Firewall is active to restrict connections to the local network (LAN) only, preventing exposure to wider network segments. Patch Management:

Apply Microsoft updates, particularly those addressing WSDAPI vulnerabilities. 5. Investigation Commands To check if Port 5357 is open on a Windows system: netstat -anb | find "5357" Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard If the port is listening, it often shows:

TCP 0.0.0.0:5357 0.0.0.0:0 LISTENING ```

Disclaimer: This report is based on information regarding network security and vulnerability research. Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard

Port 5357 – WSDAPI (Web Services for Devices) - PentestPad

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. She hit Enter

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

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.

What is it?

Port 5357 is used by WSDAPI for device discovery and control (e.g., network scanners, printers, media servers). It's part of WSD (Web Services on Devices) — Microsoft's implementation of devices profile for web services (DPWS).

1. Service Detection

nmap -sV -sC -p5357 10.10.10.5

Output might show:

5357/tcp open  http   Microsoft HTTPAPI httpd 2.0
|_http-title: Service Unavailable
|_http-server-header: Microsoft-HTTPAPI/2.0

Introduction

In the world of internal network penetration testing, most hackers focus on the "big three": SMB (445), RDP (3389), and WinRM (5985/5986). However, subtle infiltration vectors often hide on less common ports. One such port is TCP 5357.

If you run a nmap -p5357 192.168.1.0/24 and see open, you might have stumbled upon a Windows service that is poorly understood but potentially dangerous: WSDAPI (Web Services for Devices on Windows).

This article acts as a HackTricks-style guide to port 5357: what it is, how to enumerate it, misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and how to abuse it for lateral movement.

Quick incident response playbook

1. Isolate the device (network ACLs/VLAN) if suspicious activity is confirmed.
2. Capture network traffic and device logs for forensic analysis.
3. Check device firmware and config for tampering; restore from known-good config if needed.
4. Reset device credentials and re-image or update firmware.
5. Search for lateral movement indicators and scan adjacent hosts.
6. Apply network-level mitigations and review firewall rules.
7. Report and document the incident; update asset inventory and hardening checklist.