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Do you know what a port is and what uses a port, a computer port is a door where you can communicate, hack, and do more things. TCP and UDP Ports Number list shows some important ports used in everyday life activity. Without any port computer does not connect anywhere, this is the way to connect worldwide and this is a way to hack a computer. Today I discuss a TCP and UDP port list which are helpful to know every security person.
Let’s discuss Ports……
When devices communicate over the internet, they use ports to organize and direct data to the correct service or application. Think of a port as a door that opens to a specific service, such as browsing the web or sending emails. There are two main types of ports used for these communications: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol).
Transmission Control Protocol
TCP is more reliable because it ensures data is sent and received correctly by establishing a connection.
User Datagram Protocol
UDP is faster but less reliable since it sends data without establishing a connection
Read More: Do You Understand http Status Code?
Common TCP and UDP Ports Number List and Their Uses
| Port Number | Protocol | Service | Usage | Vulnerabilities |
|---|
| 20, 21 | TCP | FTP (File Transfer Protocol) | File transfer over the internet | Often targeted for attacks that steal sensitive files. |
| 22 | TCP/UDP | SSH (Secure Shell) | Secure remote login and command execution | Weak passwords or misconfigurations can lead to unauthorized access. |
| 23 | TCP/UDP | Telnet | Unencrypted remote login and command execution | Data sent in plain text, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. |
| 25 | TCP | SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) | Sending email between servers | Spammers can exploit open mail relays to send large volumes of unsolicited emails. |
| 53 | TCP/UDP | DNS (Domain Name System) | Translating domain names to IP addresses | Vulnerable to DNS spoofing or cache poisoning, which redirects users to malicious websites. |
| 80 | TCP | HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) | Standard web traffic | Unencrypted, making it susceptible to interception, such as “man-in-the-middle” attacks. |
| 110 | TCP | POP3 (Post Office Protocol) | Retrieving emails from a server | User credentials can be intercepted if the connection is not secured (no SSL/TLS). |
| 143 | TCP | IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) | Managing and retrieving emails from a server | Same vulnerability as POP3—if not encrypted, sensitive information can be captured. |
| 443 | TCP | HTTPS (HTTP Secure) | Encrypted web traffic | More secure than HTTP but can still be vulnerable to SSL/TLS attacks if not updated. |
| 445 | TCP | SMB (Server Message Block) | File sharing in local networks | Vulnerable to ransomware attacks, such as WannaCry, exploiting outdated SMB versions. |
| 3389 | TCP/UDP | RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) | Remote desktop access | Weak passwords and unpatched software make it a target for brute-force attacks. |
| 67, 68 | UDP | DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) | Assigning IP addresses to devices in a network | Attackers can exploit DHCP to redirect traffic to malicious servers. |
| 161, 162 | UDP | SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) | Managing devices on a network | Weak configurations can allow unauthorized access to network device information. |
| 69 | UDP | TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) | Lightweight file transfer, often used in networks | Limited security features make it vulnerable to attacks. |
TCP and UDP Ports General vs. Commercial Ports
General (Common) Ports
These ports are widely used for basic internet services such as web browsing, email, file transfer, and network management.
- Port 80 (HTTP) – Used for web browsing on the internet. It’s one of the most common ports.
- Port 443 (HTTPS) – Secure version of HTTP, making online shopping and banking safe.
- Port 53 (DNS) – Ensures you get to the correct website when you type in a domain name.
- Port 22 (SSH) – Provides secure remote access to a computer, commonly used by system administrators.
Features of general ports:
- Versatility: General ports are used across a wide range of services.
- Frequent targeting by hackers: Since these ports are so common, they are often the focus of attacks.
Commercial Ports
Commercial ports are often used by specific applications or services that cater to business needs. These can be used for proprietary software, cloud-based applications, or paid services.
- Port 465 (SMTP over SSL) – Secure email transmission, often used by commercial email providers.
- Port 2083 (cPanel) – Used to access cPanel for managing web hosting accounts.
- Port 3306 (MySQL) – Used by commercial databases like MySQL, which powers many websites.
- Port 1723 (PPTP VPN) – A common protocol used in commercial VPN services for secure business communication.
Features of commercial ports:
- Specialized use: These ports are often used by companies for specific applications.
- More secure: Since they are typically used in professional environments, security features are generally stronger (though not immune to vulnerabilities).
- More closed off: Commercial ports may require special authentication and encryption to be accessed.
Vulnerability Parameters In TCP and UDP Ports Number List
Each port comes with potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited if not properly secured. Here are some key vulnerability factors:
- Open Ports: Ports that are left open unnecessarily become entry points for attackers.
- Weak Authentication: Ports that rely on weak passwords or outdated authentication methods are at risk.
- Unpatched Software: If software using a particular port isn’t updated regularly, attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities.
- Encryption Status: Services that don’t use encryption (such as HTTP or Telnet) are more vulnerable to data interception.
How to Protect Your Ports
- Close Unused Ports: Only keep the necessary ports open for your services.
- Use Firewalls: A firewall can monitor and control traffic based on port numbers, keeping unauthorized users out.
- Regularly Patch Software: Ensure the software using your ports is up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Encrypt Your Traffic: Use encrypted versions of services (e.g., HTTPS, SSH) whenever possible.
- Implement Strong Authentication: Use strong, complex passwords and two-factor authentication to secure your ports.
Q / A – Section
Questions that are very helpful for everyone and clear some doubts…
What is a port, and why is it important in Internet communication?
A port is like a door on a computer or device that allows specific services or applications to communicate over the internet, such as browsing the web or sending emails. Ports organize and direct data to the correct service.
What are the two main types of ports used in communication, and how do they differ?
The two main types of ports are TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol). TCP is more reliable because it establishes a connection to ensure data is correctly sent and received, while UDP is faster but less reliable, as it sends data without establishing a connection.
What is the purpose of port 80 (HTTP) and why is it commonly used?
Port 80 is used for web browsing (HTTP) and is one of the most common ports on the internet. It allows users to access websites, but since it is not encrypted, it can be vulnerable to attacks like interception.
Why is Port 443 (HTTPS) considered more secure than Port 80?
Port 443 is used for HTTPS, which encrypts web traffic, making it much more secure than HTTP (Port 80). This encryption helps protect data from being intercepted during online shopping or banking.
What is the vulnerability of Port 23 (Telnet)?
Port 23 (Telnet) allows remote login and command execution, but it is unencrypted, meaning data is sent in plain text. This makes it vulnerable to eavesdropping and attacks where hackers can see and intercept the data.
How can hackers exploit an open port?
If a port is left open unnecessarily, hackers can use it as an entry point to gain unauthorized access to a system, steal data, or disrupt services. This is why it’s important to close any unused ports.
What is the key difference between general ports and commercial ports?
General ports (like HTTP, HTTPS, and DNS) are widely used for common internet services such as web browsing and email. Commercial ports are used by businesses for specific applications or services, such as secure email transmission or database access, and often have stronger security measures.
Give an example of a commercial port and its use.
Port 465 is a commercial port used for SMTP over SSL, which secures email transmission for commercial email providers, ensuring that email data is encrypted and protected.
What steps can be taken to protect a system from port-related vulnerabilities?
To protect a system, you should close unused ports, use firewalls to control traffic, regularly update software to patch vulnerabilities, use encryption (e.g., HTTPS, SSH), and implement strong authentication like complex passwords and two-factor authentication.
Why is regularly patching software important for port security?
Regularly patching software ensures that any known vulnerabilities are fixed. If software is not updated, attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities through open ports to gain unauthorized access to the system.
