Is port 42 (WINS / nameserver) dangerous?

Port 42 is classified as medium risk. It is commonly exposed but consider using encrypted alternatives where available and monitor activity.

Should port 42 be open on my firewall?

Port 42 can be open but should be monitored closely. Keep the service updated and prefer encrypted alternatives where available.

What transport protocol does port 42 use?

Port 42 (WINS / nameserver) uses the TCP/UDP transport protocol and falls under the DNS category.

:42 (TCP/UDP)

WINS / nameserver

Medium Risque

TCP/UDP — DNS

Aperçu du port

Numéro de port 42

Nom du service WINS / nameserver

Protocole de transport TCP/UDP

Catégorie DNS

Risque de sécurité Medium

Plage de ports Bien connu (0-1023)

Qu'est-ce que le port 42?

Originally assigned as the Host Name Server protocol on ARPANET, port 42 was later repurposed by Microsoft for Windows Internet Name Service (WINS), which resolves NetBIOS names to IP addresses. WINS is a legacy name resolution system superseded by DNS and Active Directory. Exposure of WINS on the internet poses reconnaissance and potential exploitation risks.

TCP/UDP DNS

Considérations de sécurité

Le port 42 (WINS / nameserver) est classifié comme risque moyen. Bien que ce service soit couramment exposé, envisagez d'utiliser des alternatives chiffrées lorsqu'elles sont disponibles.

Recommandation : Maintenez le service à jour. Surveillez les journaux pour détecter toute activité inhabituelle.

Ports associés — DNS

53 DNS 101 NIC Host Name 202 AT-NBP 206 AT-ZIS 558 SDNSKMP 634 GINAD 853 DNS over TLS 953 RNDC

Termes associés

A Record AAAA Record Authoritative DNS Server CNAME Record DNS DNS Resolver