RE: Scanning--more then one side to the argument

["Steve Fletcher" <safletcher () insightbb com>]

I have a question regarding this.  Are you talking about doing an external
scan or an internal scan?  I assume an external, because an internal scan
should show a LOT of open ports.

I would say that any open port POTENTIALLY could be a security issue waiting
to happen, but common sense dictates that some ports must be open for
usability reasons.  Plus, if you're going to follow this line of thought,
the fact that the systems are connected to the Internet AT ALL poses a
potential risk.  Or, just being networked could be a risk.  Or, being
powered on poses a potential risk.

So, based on this, sure it COULD be a security risk waiting to happen, but
more information needs to be gathered to determine the true extent of the
risk.  And, it must be reevaluated at regular intervals to catch new issues
that might have come up since the last scan.  What is safe now might not be
6 months from now.

Hope this helps.

Steve Fletcher
MCSE (NT4/Win2k), MCSE: Security (Win2k), HP Master ASE, CCNA, Security+
safletcher () insightbb com

-----Original Message-----
From: Sherman Hand [mailto:shand () adelphia net] 
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2005 5:05 PM
To: security-basics () securityfocus com
Subject: Scanning--more then one side to the argument



There has been a on going discussion about the scanning results on our
customers.

Thought one says that "any" port on a standard nmap, showing as "open" is a
security risk.

Thought two says, no since some things need to show in a state of open.

Should we be stating that through proactive scan, when we find any port
showing as open, that it is a security issue waiting to happen?

Or only if we can show a issue?

Thoughts?

Shand


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