Port 115Simple File Transfer Protocol
Simple File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is an early protocol designed for basic file transfer between computers on a network. Developed in the early days of the ARPANET, it facilitates a straightforward method to upload and download files using simple commands, mainly intended for smaller networks with minimal security concerns. Despite being largely deprecated today, it laid the foundation for many modern file transfer protocols..
- transport
- tcp
- in transit
- cleartext
- assignment
- official
- risk
- 3/10
- lookups
- 9,245
single transport
payload readable on path
registered with iana
caution
rank 521 of 993 · top 52%
Technical Details
what runs on :115Simple File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a minimalistic protocol introduced in the early internet era to enable straightforward file transfers. It primarily provides functions such as file upload, download, directory listing, and basic management operations over a connection established on TCP port 115. Due to its simplicity, SFTP lacks many advanced features of later protocols, focusing solely on core file manipulation tasks.
SFTP operates on a client-server model, where clients initiate a straightforward control dialogue with the server to request file operations. The specifications were intentionally kept simple, resulting in limited support for access controls or detailed error handling. It relies on TCP for transport, which ensures reliable data delivery but does not inherently include any data confidentiality.
Over time, more sophisticated protocols such as FTP, FTPS, and SSH File Transfer Protocol (also called SFTP, but distinct from Simple FTP) replaced this protocol due to their richer feature sets, better security, and broader compatibility. The original Simple FTP is now largely obsolete but is important historically in networking.
Security Information
exposure of :115risk score
3/ 10caution
worth attention. how exposed you are depends on configuration — don't leave it reachable from the internet without a reason.
file transfer averages 4.1 across 114 ports — this one sits 1.1 below.
in transit
cleartext
credentials and payloads are readable by anyone on path
assignment
official
registered with iana for this service — scanners fingerprint it by number
reachable over
tcp
every listening transport is another surface to filter at the edge
security overview
Common vulnerabilities of Simple File Transfer Protocol include:
- Completely unencrypted data transmission, exposing credentials and files to eavesdropping by attackers with network access.
- No authentication protections beyond basic, typically plaintext username/password schemes, making it vulnerable to credential interception and brute-force attacks.
- Lack of integrity verification, permitting undetected manipulation of transferred data in transit.
Mitigation strategies involve:
- Avoiding the use of Simple FTP in favor of secure file transfer protocols such as FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) or SSH-based SFTP.
- Using network-layer protections like VPNs or secure tunnels if legacy systems still require usage.
- Implementing strong access controls, monitoring, and intrusion detection systems to identify unauthorized access attempts.
- Ensuring firewall rules limit exposure of TCP port 115 to trusted hosts only.
Related Ports
the 8 most looked-up other ports in file transfer — 114 ports carry that label.
| port | service | risk | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :9080 | Groove RPC | TCPUDP | Web Services | caution | 70.8k |
| :17500 | Dropbox LAN Sync | TCPUDP | File Transfer | caution | 43.7k |
| :548 | Apple Filing Protocol | TCP | File Transfer | caution | 36.8k |
| :7000 | Vuze HTTPS Tracker | TCPtls | Security | caution | 28.9k |
| :1337 | PowerFolder P2P | TCP | Security | caution | 27.1k |
| :9001 | SharePoint Authoring | Web Services | caution | 26.3k | |
| :8080 | FilePhile Relay | UDP | File Transfer | caution | 25.6k |
| :1337 | WASTE Encrypted Sharing | TCP | Security | caution | 22.9k |
risk mix of the 8 listed
- caution100%
1 of 8 encrypted