Web Services for Devices

WSDAPI (Web Services for Devices API) is a Microsoft technology that enables devices on a network to discover and communicate with each other using web services protocols. It is commonly used for device discovery and management in Windows environments. The service operates over port 5357 and facilitates seamless interaction between networked devices.

What is Web Services for Devices

WSDAPI, or Web Services for Devices API, is a Microsoft technology designed to enable networked devices to discover and communicate with each other using web services protocols. This service is particularly useful in environments where multiple devices need to interact seamlessly, such as in home or office networks. By leveraging standard web services protocols, WSDAPI ensures that devices can be easily discovered and managed without requiring proprietary solutions.

Introduced as part of the Windows operating system, WSDAPI has become a key component in device management and discovery. It allows devices like printers, scanners, and other peripherals to be automatically detected and configured, reducing the need for manual setup. This automation is particularly beneficial in large networks where managing each device individually would be cumbersome.

WSDAPI operates over port 5357 and uses standard web services protocols like SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) to facilitate communication between devices. This approach not only simplifies device management but also enhances interoperability between different types of devices. As a result, WSDAPI has become a widely adopted technology in both consumer and enterprise environments.

Web Services for Devices runs on TCP and UDP port 5357 and is official IANA port.

Security risk

If port 5357 is open and the WSDAPI service is running, it could expose the network to unauthorized device discovery and communication. This could potentially allow attackers to exploit vulnerabilities in networked devices, leading to data breaches or unauthorized access. It is important to secure this port and monitor network traffic to mitigate such risks.

In our UFW tutorial you can follow instructions how you can configure UFW to close port 5357. Use StackChanges to monitor if the Web Services for Devices port is closed and stays closed. StackChanges will send an alert if port 5357 is open again.