Usually open on Windows clients (Vista and later), IoT devices, and network printers. Associated Ports:
The penetration testers followed a clear, step-by-step methodology:
Block port 5357 at the perimeter firewall. This port should never be exposed to the public internet.
A historic but classic example where an attacker could send a crafted HTTP request with a malicious Range header to execute arbitrary code or trigger a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) via kernel memory corruption. Any open HTTP port powered by http.sys (including 5357) could be used as the entry point. 2. Information Disclosure & Internal Reconnaissance port 5357 hacktricks
: Ensure regular installation of Microsoft monthly rollups to patch deep-seated vulnerabilities within the http.sys network driver stack.
Port 5357 is commonly used for the Web Services Dynamic Discovery (WS-Discovery) provider host. Windows operating systems utilize this port to locate other devices, such as printers and network shares, on a local network using the Web Services on Devices (WSD) API.
: Ensure that Port 5357 is blocked at the network perimeter. It should never be exposed to the public Internet. Usually open on Windows clients (Vista and later),
When a Windows machine exposes port 5357, it runs an HTTP-based daemon backed by the kernel-mode driver HTTP.sys . This architecture supports local network asset coordination:
Port 5357 is a TCP port that is commonly associated with the Windows Remote Management (WinRM) service. WinRM is a Microsoft protocol that enables remote management of Windows systems, allowing administrators to execute commands, access event logs, and perform other management tasks remotely. While WinRM is a legitimate technology, its openness and lack of robust security measures have made it a popular target for attackers.
When you map a network drive or add a network printer in Windows, the system frequently relies on this port to negotiate connections and query device capabilities. 2. Reconnaissance and Enumeration A historic but classic example where an attacker
Port 5357 runs the Web Services on Devices API over HTTP (WSDAPI). It allows Windows machines to discover and control devices on a local network using standard web service protocols. Why is it Exposed?
Because Port 5357 relies on the http.sys kernel-driver driver to parse HTTP requests, it is inherently vulnerable to any system-wide HTTP flaws.