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I found a smart lightbulb using a common IRC port 6668 in Nmap, should I be worried?

Asked by Ankesh Kumar Jan 17, 2022 8.7K views 2 answers
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I was going through my connected client list trying to add some alias names to my devices to help keep track of what is connected to my network.

I noticed one device that I didn't have a name for, and had trouble trying to track down what it was.

Checked the MAC address to try and find the vendor and got some basic details, enough to recall what this was.

I have a "Smart Wifi Lightbulb" which comes with an app to change its colors etc.

When I ran NMAP on the IP, it said that service=IRC was running on port 6668. I know that there are only a limited number of ports so there are bound to be devices that share ports that might not be what they are actually for.

As a test, I pulled up an IRC client and put in the IP and the PORT and it connected. It stays open for about 30 seconds and then disconnects.

Anything I should be worried about here or further things I should check into?

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2 Answers

Ranjana Admin JanBask Expert Latest answer

Answered on May 6, 2024

Finding a smart lightbulb using a common IRC port like 6668 in Nmap is indeed unusual but not necessarily a cause for immediate concern. Here's what you can consider:

Verify Device: Ensure that the device detected by Nmap is indeed a smart lightbulb and not a misidentification or a potentially malicious device posing as one.

Check Manufacturer Documentation: Look up the manufacturer and model of the smart lightbulb and review its documentation. Sometimes, IoT devices like smart bulbs use unconventional communication protocols for various purposes.

Update Firmware: If the smart lightbulb is yours and you're concerned about security, check for firmware updates provided by the manufacturer. Keeping firmware up to date can help mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Network Segmentation: Consider placing IoT devices like smart lightbulbs on a separate network segment, isolated from your main network. This can prevent potential security risks to your primary devices and data.

Firewall Configuration: If you're worried about the open port, you can configure your firewall to restrict access to it from external networks, allowing communication only within your local network.

Monitor Traffic: Keep an eye on network traffic to and from the smart lightbulb to detect any suspicious activity. Tools like Wireshark can help you analyze network packets for any anomalies.

Contact Manufacturer Support: If you're still unsure about the security implications or if you suspect something malicious, consider reaching out to the manufacturer's support for guidance.

In summary, while finding a smart lightbulb using an IRC port might seem unusual, it's not necessarily a cause for immediate alarm. However, it's essential to take precautions to ensure the security of your network and devices.


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