Port 5357 is used by 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).
: Trigger a target Windows machine to attempt authentication against your rogue service, capturing NTLM hashes via tools like Responder. NTLM Relaying
If the machine is on a public network, disable "Network Discovery" in the Advanced sharing settings of the Control Panel.
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):
WSD can leak metadata including hostnames, device models (e.g., printer types), network paths, and unique device identifiers (GUIDs). port 5357 hacktricks
Disable the "Network Discovery" feature in the Windows Control Panel (Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings) to close the port.
curl -i http:// :5357/ curl -i http:// :5357/WSD/ Use code with caution.
Do you need to detect port 5357 probing?
Use specialized tools that understand WS-Discovery to query the service for device descriptions. 3. Security Risks and Potential Exploitation Port 5357 is used by for device discovery and control (e
To protect your systems against port 5357 attacks, follow these best practices:
A realistic posture Port 5357 embodies a recurring tension in network design: usability-driven discovery vs. the discipline of minimal exposure. In well-run environments, WSD should be an intentional, confined capability: limited to specific subnets, disabled where unnecessary, and logged where used. In under-managed networks it’s a low-effort reconnaissance jackpot for attackers who can already reach local subnets or who can trick users/devices into interacting with malicious peers.
Domain Controllers rarely need WSD active. If port 5357 is open, the host is likely a workstation, a print server, or a file storage server.
Locate and Function Discovery Resource Publication . Stop the services and set their startup type to Disabled . NTLM Relaying If the machine is on a
# Service discovery nmap -p 5357 <target>
The service is generally active on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2008 and later. Enumeration and Information Gathering
Expected Output: Nmap will typically identify the service as microsoft-httpapi or WS-Discovery . The Microsoft-HTTPAPI/2.0 banner confirms a Windows target. Manual Directory Enumeration
This article provides a deep dive into the security implications of port 5357, based on methodologies similar to those found in HackTricks , including reconnaissance, enumeration, and potential exploitation avenues. 1. What is Port 5357?
curl -v http:// :5357/ -H "Host: stuff" -H "Range: bytes=0-18446744073709551615" Use code with caution.
