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

single transport

in transit
cleartext

payload readable on path

assignment
official

registered with iana

risk
3/10

caution

lookups
9,245

rank 521 of 993 · top 52%

Technical Details

what runs on :115

Simple 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 :115

risk 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.

the 8 most looked-up other ports in file transfer — 114 ports carry that label.

risk mix of the 8 listed

  • caution100%

1 of 8 encrypted