# 123/udp - Pentesting NTP
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## Basic Information
The **Network Time Protocol (NTP)** ensures computers and network devices across variable-latency networks sync their clocks accurately. It's vital for maintaining precise timekeeping in IT operations, security, and logging. NTP's accuracy is essential, but it also poses security risks if not properly managed.
### Summary & Security Tips:
* **Purpose**: Syncs device clocks over networks.
* **Importance**: Critical for security, logging, and operations.
* **Security Measures**:
* Use trusted NTP sources with authentication.
* Limit NTP server network access.
* Monitor synchronization for signs of tampering.
**Default port:** 123/udp
```
PORT STATE SERVICE REASON
123/udp open ntp udp-response
```
## Enumeration
```bash
ntpq -c readlist
ntpq -c readvar
ntpq -c peers
ntpq -c associations
ntpdc -c monlist
ntpdc -c listpeers
ntpdc -c sysinfo
```
```bash
nmap -sU -sV --script "ntp* and (discovery or vuln) and not (dos or brute)" -p 123
```
## Examine configuration files
* ntp.conf
## NTP Amplification Attack
[**How NTP DDoS Attack Works**](https://resources.infosecinstitute.com/network-time-protocol-ntp-threats-countermeasures/#gref)
The **NTP protocol**, using UDP, allows for operation without the need for handshake procedures, unlike TCP. This characteristic is exploited in **NTP DDoS amplification attacks**. Here, attackers create packets with a fake source IP, making it seem as if the attack requests come from the victim. These packets, initially small, prompt the NTP server to respond with much larger data volumes, amplifying the attack.
The _**MONLIST**_ command, despite its rare use, can report the last 600 clients connected to the NTP service. While the command itself is simple, its misuse in such attacks highlights critical security vulnerabilities.
```bash
ntpdc -n -c monlist
```
## Shodan
* `ntp`
## HackTricks Automatic Commands
```
Protocol_Name: NTP #Protocol Abbreviation if there is one.
Port_Number: 123 #Comma separated if there is more than one.
Protocol_Description: Network Time Protocol #Protocol Abbreviation Spelled out
Entry_1:
Name: Notes
Description: Notes for NTP
Note: |
The Network Time Protocol (NTP) ensures computers and network devices across variable-latency networks sync their clocks accurately. It's vital for maintaining precise timekeeping in IT operations, security, and logging. NTP's accuracy is essential, but it also poses security risks if not properly managed.
https://book.hacktricks.xyz/pentesting/pentesting-ntp
Entry_2:
Name: Nmap
Description: Enumerate NTP
Command: nmap -sU -sV --script "ntp* and (discovery or vuln) and not (dos or brute)" -p 123 {IP}
```
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