Port 524NetWare Core Protocol (NCP)
NetWare Core Protocol (NCP) facilitates communication with Novell NetWare servers, handling essential network tasks such as file and print sharing, directory services, and time synchronization. Commonly deployed on legacy enterprise networks, it enabled efficient access to server resources and centralized management, remaining prevalent in environments still utilizing NetWare infrastructure..
- transport
- tcp · udp
- in transit
- cleartext
- assignment
- official
- risk
- 4/10
- lookups
- 11,541
2 transports registered
payload readable on path
registered with iana
caution
rank 351 of 993 · top 35%
Technical Details
what runs on :524NetWare Core Protocol (NCP) operates primarily to enable seamless resource sharing and remote procedure calls between Novell NetWare clients and servers. It supports critical networking operations, including file system management, directory services, and printer operations. Communication occurs over both TCP and UDP on port 524, ensuring interoperability across varied network environments.
Originally designed for IPX/SPX transport, NCP later gained support for IP-based communication to adapt to modern networking standards. The protocol defines a series of commands encapsulated within its message formats, facilitating detailed server interactions such as authentication, directory traversal, and resource manipulation. Its flexibility allows it to support multiple session management features crucial for enterprise deployments.
NCP’s tight integration with Novell Directory Services (NDS), later known as eDirectory, offers centralized directory management and authentication mechanisms. This integration streamlines network administration and resource allocation, making NCP foundational to the operational architecture of NetWare-centric networks.
Security Information
exposure of :524risk 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:
- Lack of encryption by default, leading to exposure of sensitive data such as credentials during transit
- Susceptibility to replay and man-in-the-middle attacks due to insufficient authentication mechanisms in older implementations
- Vulnerabilities in NetWare services that utilize NCP, which can permit unauthorized access or privilege escalation
Common Mitigations:
- Enabling secure authentication and enforcing use of network encryption via VPNs or secure tunneling
- Isolating legacy NetWare servers within controlled network segments to limit exposure
- Regularly applying patches and updates to server software, or migrating to supported, secure platforms
- Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities targeting port 524 and disabling NCP services if unnecessary
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