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

["Shand" <shand () adelphia net>]

External scans.

Against customer using our internet service.

Does a port have to show as "open" or can they for usability show only as 
filtered, closed?

Thoughts?

Shand




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Fletcher" <safletcher () insightbb com>
To: "'Sherman Hand'" <shand () adelphia net>; 
<security-basics () securityfocus com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2005 3:18 PM
Subject: RE: Scanning--more then one side to the argument


> 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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