Port 6101Backup Exec Browser

Port 6101 is primarily used by the Backup Exec Agent Browser service, which facilitates communication and discovery of Backup Exec agents on a network. It assists in managing backup operations across multiple systems by enabling the central Backup Exec server to locate, enumerate, and coordinate backup agents efficiently..

transport
tcp

single transport

in transit
cleartext

payload readable on path

assignment
unofficial

used by convention

risk
4/10

caution

lookups
15,157

rank 215 of 993 · top 22%

Technical Details

what runs on :6101
  • Overview:

Port 6101 is utilized by Veritas (formerly Symantec) Backup Exec Agent Browser service. This service is integral to large-scale backup environments, where it helps the Backup Exec Media Server to locate and interact with multiple remote agents installed on client systems.

  • Functionality:

The Agent Browser listens for connection requests and registers available backup agents running on the network. It streamlines resource discovery by returning a list of backup-enabled hosts and their corresponding resources to the media server's management console. This design minimizes manual configuration and facilitates scalable backup operations.

  • Communication:

Communication mainly uses TCP on port 6101, establishing persistent or on-demand connections between the media server and remote agents. Data exchange typically involves service announcements, agent discovery information, and coordination commands rather than actual backup data transfers, which usually happen over separate channels.

Security Information

exposure of :6101

risk score

4/ 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 0.1 below.

in transit

cleartext

credentials and payloads are readable by anyone on path

assignment

unofficial

used by convention, not registered — what answers here varies by deployment

reachable over

tcp

every listening transport is another surface to filter at the edge

security overview

Common Vulnerabilities

  • Unauthorized Access: If exposed externally or on insecure internal networks, attackers can query or interact with the agent browser, potentially revealing backup infrastructure details.
  • Service Exploits: Known or zero-day vulnerabilities in the Backup Exec services could allow for privilege escalation or remote code execution.
  • Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Unencrypted communication can be intercepted or tampered with to manipulate backup operations.

Common Mitigations

  • Network Segregation: Restrict port 6101 access to trusted management subnetworks only.
  • Firewalls: Enforce tight firewall rules that allow inbound and outbound connections solely between authorized media servers and clients.
  • Service Hardening: Keep Backup Exec components updated with the latest security patches.
  • Encryption: Enable encrypted control channels if supported, or employ VPNs/IPsec tunnels between backup servers and agents.
  • Monitoring: Continuously audit and monitor access attempts on this port to detect unauthorized activities promptly.

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