Port 135

What is Port 135?

Port number 135 is primarily associated with the Microsoft Endpoint Mapper, part of the Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) infrastructure, which facilitates communication between software components located on different networked computers. Operating over TCP and UDP, this port plays a crucial role in enabling remote procedure calls (RPC) by helping clients find the appropriate endpoint for accessing services provided by server applications. When a client attempts to connect to a remote service, it queries port 135 to obtain the address of the service, allowing for seamless interactions in distributed computing environments. While the convenience offered by DCOM and its endpoint mapping has made it easier for applications to connect across networks, port 135 has also been a notable target for security vulnerabilities, particularly concerning unauthorized access and malware exploitation. As a result, effective management and awareness of the risks associated with this port are essential for maintaining secure network operations, illustrating the balance between functionality and security in complex network architectures.