4506
SaltStack Return
Critical RiskTCP — 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.