Port 639MSDP
The Multicast Source Discovery Protocol (MSDP) is used in inter-domain multicast routing to facilitate the sharing of multicast source information between different multicast-enabled routing domains. It enables routers to discover active multicast sources outside their own domain, enhancing the distribution of multicast streams across the internet..
- transport
- tcp · udp
- in transit
- cleartext
- assignment
- official
- risk
- 4/10
- lookups
- 11,356
2 transports registered
payload readable on path
registered with iana
caution
rank 364 of 993 · top 37%
Technical Details
what runs on :639The Multicast Source Discovery Protocol (MSDP) operates between multicast-enabled routers to facilitate the exchange of information regarding active multicast sources. It is primarily implemented in conjunction with Protocol Independent Multicast Sparse Mode (PIM-SM) to enable inter-domain multicast routing. By sharing source information, MSDP allows receivers in different PIM-SM domains to join multicast streams initiated in external domains.
MSDP routers establish TCP peer connections, known as MSDP peers, where they exchange Source-Active (SA) messages encapsulating information about multicast sources currently transmitting traffic. These SA messages enable the receiving routers to update their multicast routing tables and forward join messages efficiently to multicast sources, enabling seamless multicast data flow across multiple administrative boundaries.
Despite its effectiveness, MSDP is often considered complex and legacy, especially with newer protocols like Source-Specific Multicast (SSM) simplifying multicast deployments. Nonetheless, MSDP remains in use within protocols where Any-Source Multicast (ASM) operation is required, especially in larger or legacy networks requiring multicast inter-domain communication.
Security Information
exposure of :639risk 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 associated with MSDP include:
- Misconfiguration leading to unwanted multicast traffic or routing information leaks.
- Unauthorized access from untrusted peers potentially injecting false multicast source data, leading to multicast routing disruptions or denial-of-service.
- TCP session hijacking or spoofing which can manipulate SA message exchange.
Mitigation strategies include:
- Implement strong authentication such as TCP MD5 signatures for MSDP peer connections.
- Apply strict access control lists (ACLs) to restrict peering only to trusted partner routers.
- Utilize filtering policies for SA messages to prevent unwanted multicast sources from propagating.
- Harden network devices by disabling unneeded multicast capabilities where not used, and maintaining up-to-date router software to address known vulnerabilities.
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risk mix of the 8 listed
- caution100%
0 of 8 encrypted