Port 1512WINS
Microsoft Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) is a legacy name resolution service designed to map NetBIOS names to IP addresses within Windows-based networks. This enables devices running Windows to locate and communicate with each other using familiar computer names rather than numerical IP addresses, which is essential for older Windows networking protocols and compatibility with legacy systems..
- transport
- tcp · udp
- in transit
- cleartext
- assignment
- official
- risk
- 4/10
- lookups
- 10,061
2 transports registered
payload readable on path
registered with iana
caution
rank 462 of 993 · top 46%
Technical Details
what runs on :1512WINS, or Windows Internet Name Service, is Microsoft's implementation of a NetBIOS Name Server (NBNS). It resolves NetBIOS computer names to IP addresses in a dynamic manner, facilitating communication and resource sharing across Windows networks. Unlike static hosts or LMHOSTS files, WINS supports automatic registration and renewal of name records, reducing administrative overhead.
WINS operates by client devices registering their NetBIOS names and IP addresses upon startup, when their IP changes, or periodically to maintain registration. Other devices resolve these names by querying the WINS server, which responds with the most recent IP associated with that NetBIOS name. Communication uses port 1512 for client-server interactions, supporting both TCP and UDP protocols to ensure reliable registration and resolution.
Although largely replaced by DNS in modern networks, WINS remains essential in environments running legacy Windows applications and protocols relying on NetBIOS. Its tight integration with Windows networking infrastructure facilitated its widespread deployment during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Security Information
exposure of :1512risk score
4/ 10caution
worth attention. how exposed you are depends on configuration — don't leave it reachable from the internet without a reason.
network services averages 3.9 across 604 ports — this one sits 0.1 above.
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 · udp
udp is connectionless — source addresses are trivially spoofed and it is a reflection favourite
security overview
Common Vulnerabilities:
- WINS servers may be susceptible to spoofing and poisoning attacks, where malicious actors register fake NetBIOS names or alter existing records.
- Due to a lack of encryption and authentication, attackers on the network can intercept and manipulate name resolution requests or responses (Man-in-the-Middle attacks).
- Outdated or misconfigured WINS servers increase attack surfaces, potentially enabling DoS attacks or unauthorized access.
Mitigations:
- Limit exposure by restricting port 1512 traffic at network perimeters with strict ACLs or firewall rules.
- Use secure, updated systems and avoid deploying WINS on untrusted network segments.
- Transition to using DNS where possible, as it supports stronger security features.
- Regularly monitor and audit WINS server registrations to detect suspicious changes or entries.
Related Ports
the 8 most looked-up other ports in network services — 604 ports carry that label.
| port | service | risk | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :9080 | Groove RPC | TCPUDP | Web Services | caution | 70.8k |
| :6543 | Jetnet | UDP | Network Services | caution | 65.3k |
| :5938 | TeamViewer | TCPUDP | Remote Access | caution | 65.0k |
| :8291 | Winbox MikroTik Admin | TCP | Security | caution | 62.9k |
| :3233 | WhiskerControl Protocol | TCPUDP | Network Services | caution | 61.9k |
| :3268 | Microsoft Global Catalog (GC) | TCPUDP | Security | caution | 54.6k |
| :135 | Microsoft EPMAP | TCPUDP | Security | caution | 51.9k |
| :3128 | Tatsoft Default HTTP Proxy | TCP | Web Services | caution | 46.8k |
risk mix of the 8 listed
- caution100%
0 of 8 encrypted