Primarily Windows Vista and later, including Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server. How WSDAPI Works
The actual functionality resides on specific sub-paths. The standard endpoint used for device queries is /WSD/?WSDL or a generated UUID path.
:Port 5357 has been noted as a potential source for information leaks. Use tools like curl to check for XML responses that might reveal device names, manufacturer details, or network configurations. curl -v http:// : 5357 / Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
# Service discovery nmap -p 5357 <target>
, a Microsoft service designed to let devices like printers and scanners "plug-and-play" over a network. While helpful for office efficiency, it was a known Information Disclosure
Output might show:
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Why port 5357 matters
WSDAPI endpoints often expose specific XML schemas. You can query the root or typical WSD paths to check for a response: curl http:// :5357/WSDAL/ Use code with caution. 3. Information Disclosure Risks
For a second, nothing happened. Then, the terminal flooded with XML data.
Then convince a user on the target host to visit an attacker-controlled SMB share or use a tool like responder + pxe to force a connection to http://target:5357/wsd .
Device: http://10.10.10.5:5357/wsd/3f8c2a1b-... Type: Printer Friendly Name: HP LaserJet M402dw Metadata URL: http://10.10.10.5:5357/wsd/3f8c2a1b/metadata
curl -v http://10.10.10.5:5357/
If the application parses external XML schemas or allows pointing to remote web service definitions (WSDL), attackers can attempt:
Accessing http:// :5357 in a browser might sometimes reveal device details or XML metadata, although it often returns a 400 Bad Request or 404 Not Found if accessed directly without specific WSD queries.
From a penetration testing perspective, while it rarely offers direct remote code execution (RCE) on its own, it is an excellent source of network reconnaissance and can occasionally be abused for external entity attacks or NTLM relaying. 1. Protocol Overview