Is port 4506 (SaltStack Return) dangerous?

Port 4506 is classified as critical risk and should not be exposed to the public internet. It transmits data without encryption, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping and credential theft.

Should port 4506 be open on my firewall?

No, port 4506 should not be open to the public internet. Block it at the firewall and use encrypted alternatives such as SSH, SFTP, or HTTPS instead.

What transport protocol does port 4506 use?

Port 4506 (SaltStack Return) uses the TCP transport protocol and falls under the System & Infrastructure category.

:4506 (TCP)

SaltStack Return

Critical Risk

TCP — System & Infrastructure

Port Overview

Port Number 4506

Service Name SaltStack Return

Transport Protocol TCP

Category System & Infrastructure

Security Risk Critical

Port Range Registered (1024-49151)

What is Port 4506?

Port 4506 is used by SaltStack for the return channel, through which Salt minions send execution results back to the Salt master. Together with port 4505, it forms the two-way communication backbone of Salt infrastructure management. Both ports must be firewalled to prevent unauthorized access to the configuration management infrastructure.

TCP System & Infrastructure

Security Considerations

Port 4506 (SaltStack Return) is classified as critical risk. This port should not be exposed to the public internet. The service transmits data without encryption, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping, credential theft, and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Recommendation: Block this port at the firewall. Use encrypted alternatives (SSH, SFTP, HTTPS) instead.

Related Ports — System & Infrastructure

0 Reserved 1 TCPMUX 2 Management Utility 3 CompressNET 4 Unassigned 5 RJE 6 Unassigned 7 Echo

Related Terms

Bandwidth Latency Packet Loss Ping Throughput ASN