By querying this port, an attacker can discover hostnames, network paths, and unique device metadata.
: Devices send probe messages to locate services.
Let's steer towards the information related to HackTricks, which seems to be what you're looking for:
The penetration testers followed a clear, step-by-step methodology: port 5357 hacktricks
If you have already compromised a host inside the network, you can use WS-Discovery tools built into Windows to discover other adjacent targets that might not respond to standard ping sweeps. You can use PowerShell to query local WSD devices: powershell
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.
By sending a properly formatted SOAP Probe or Resolve request to the endpoint via a tool or manual script, you can extract: Computer names Domain names Printer or scanner hardware models Internal network configurations Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) / NTLM Coercion By querying this port, an attacker can discover
While many sources label port 5357 as "exploitable," there is a critical nuance: direct exploitation from across the internet is generally not possible.
A typical result reveals the Microsoft HTTPAPI httpd server:
Older Windows systems utilizing Microsoft-HTTPAPI/2.0 may be vulnerable to a critical remote code execution flaw in the HTTP.sys driver. This occurs when processing crafted HTTP requests containing a specific Range header. You can use PowerShell to query local WSD
If you manage to exploit the vulnerable service, you can deploy standard post-exploitation toolkits like for credential dumping, PowerShell Empire for further enumeration, or Cobalt Strike for long-term persistence.
5357/tcp open http Microsoft HTTPAPI httpd 2.0 (SSDP/UPnP)
: Ensure regular installation of Microsoft monthly rollups to patch deep-seated vulnerabilities within the http.sys network driver stack.
Disable the "Network Discovery" feature in the Windows Control Panel (Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings) to close the port.
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