Port 8118Privoxy Web Proxy
Privoxy is a non-caching web proxy designed to protect user privacy and block advertisements. It operates with filtering capabilities for HTTP traffic, allowing removal of banners, pop-ups, and intrusive content on websites, while offering users control over their browsing experience and improved privacy..
- transport
- tcp
- in transit
- encrypted
- assignment
- official
- risk
- 5/10
- lookups
- 9,814
single transport
payload protected on the wire
registered with iana
caution
rank 484 of 993 · top 49%
Technical Details
what runs on :8118Privoxy is a versatile, non-caching web proxy focused on privacy enhancement and content filtering. It primarily handles HTTP traffic, intercepting and modifying requests and responses between browsers and web servers. Rather than simply relaying data, Privoxy applies numerous configurable filters that can alter or block content, such as advertisements, tracking scripts, or unwanted banners.
Typically running on TCP port 8118, Privoxy can be configured as a local proxy on a client machine or shared by multiple users. Its flexible rule system allows granular control over both inbound and outbound HTTP headers and content. Integration with other proxy solutions, like Tor, can further enhance user anonymity and privacy.
The lightweight design of Privoxy means minimal system overhead, and it supports a broad array of platforms. Users can customize blocklists, whitelist certain sites, and tailor filtering scripts, making it a powerful tool for personal or organizational content control and privacy management on the web.
Security Information
exposure of :8118risk score
5/ 10caution
worth attention. how exposed you are depends on configuration — don't leave it reachable from the internet without a reason.
web services averages 3.9 across 112 ports — this one sits 1.1 above.
in transit
encrypted
payloads are protected on the wire
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:
- Exposure of the Privoxy interface to untrusted networks might allow malicious actors to misuse the proxy or bypass organizational policies.
- Improper configuration could lead to information leakage, as sensitive request details could be inadvertently exposed.
- Lack of authentication options by default increases the risk of unauthorized access.
Common Mitigations:
- Restrict Privoxy network access to trusted hosts only, ideally binding only to localhost unless necessary.
- Combine with encrypted tunneling (such as using Tor or VPNs) to protect traffic in transit.
- Regularly update Privoxy and review filtering rules to reduce attack surface.
- Implement network-level controls like firewall rules to limit access, and consider deploying Privoxy behind further authentication proxies if exposed beyond localhost.
Related Ports
the 8 most looked-up other ports in web services — 112 ports carry that label.
| port | service | risk | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :8888 | Sun Answerbook & Alt HTTP | TCP | Web Services | caution | 123.9k |
| :8000 | Intel Remote Desktop / Alternate HTTP Port | TCP | Web Services | safe | 84.3k |
| :8888 | NewsEDGE | TCPUDP | Web Services | caution | 83.3k |
| :8888 | HTTP Alternative Port | TCP | Web Services | caution | 76.5k |
| :8888 | GNUmp3d Streaming HTTP | TCP | Web Services | caution | 76.3k |
| :9080 | Groove RPC | TCPUDP | Web Services | caution | 70.8k |
| :8881 | Atlasz Secure Server | TCP | Web Services | caution | 67.6k |
| :80 | HTTP | TCPUDP | Web Services | caution | 67.3k |
risk mix of the 8 listed
- safe13%
- caution88%
0 of 8 encrypted