// REFERENCE · PORT 514 · TCP/UDP

Port 514: Syslog

UDP port 514 is syslog, used to send log messages to a central server; TCP 514 is the old rsh remote shell.

AT A GLANCE
PORT
514 / TCP/UDP
SERVICE
Syslog
ALSO CALLED
syslog, rsh, shell
IF EXPOSED
MEDIUM RISK IF EXPOSED

What runs on port 514

Syslog servers collect log lines from routers, firewalls, servers and appliances over UDP 514, with no encryption or authentication in the classic form. TCP 514 was historically assigned to rsh, an insecure remote shell from BSD Unix that trusted the client's address instead of a password. rsh is effectively obsolete.

On a home network

Routers, NAS boxes and firewalls can send their logs to a syslog server on 514, and some NAS devices (Synology, for example) can act as that server. Most home devices send logs out rather than listen.

If port 514 is reachable from the internet

A syslog server reachable from the internet will accept fake log entries from anyone and can be flooded. An rsh service on TCP 514 is a serious finding, since it was designed with weak trust-based login. Neither should face the internet.

How to check whether it is open on your network

If you run a syslog receiver on a NAS or Pi, make sure no router rule forwards 514 to it. A port scan will show TCP 514 if rsh is somehow running.

// RELATED PORTS
161SNMPUDPMEDIUM RISK IF EXPOSED22SSHTCPMEDIUM RISK IF EXPOSED23TelnetTCPHIGH RISK IF EXPOSED
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