Z39-50

Z39.50 is a standard protocol for information retrieval that allows a client to search and retrieve information from a remote database. It is widely used in library systems and other information services to enable interoperability between different systems. The protocol supports complex queries and can return detailed metadata.

What is Z39-50

Z39.50 is a client-server protocol designed for searching and retrieving information from remote databases. It was developed by the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) and is widely used in library systems, museums, and other information services. The protocol allows for interoperability between different systems, enabling users to search multiple databases with a single query.

The protocol supports complex queries, allowing users to specify detailed search criteria. It can return detailed metadata about the retrieved records, making it a powerful tool for information retrieval. Z39.50 is particularly useful in environments where different systems need to communicate and share information seamlessly.

Over the years, Z39.50 has been integrated into various library management systems and digital library projects. Despite the emergence of newer protocols and technologies, Z39.50 remains a critical component in many information retrieval systems due to its robustness and flexibility. Organizations that rely on extensive databases of bibliographic records often use Z39.50 to ensure efficient and accurate information retrieval.

Z39-50 runs on TCP and UDP port 210 and is official IANA port.

Security risk

If port 210 is open and the Z39.50 service is running, it could be a target for unauthorized access or data breaches. Attackers could exploit vulnerabilities in the protocol to gain access to sensitive information stored in the databases. It is crucial to implement strong authentication and encryption mechanisms to mitigate these risks.

In our UFW tutorial you can follow instructions how you can configure UFW to close port 210. Use StackChanges to monitor if the Z39-50 port is closed and stays closed. StackChanges will send an alert if port 210 is open again.