TCP 25

ProtocolTCP
Port25
Labelssmtp mail

Synopsis

  • Port 25/TCP is used by the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) for server-to-server email delivery; common MTAs listening on it include Postfix, Exim, Sendmail, qmail, OpenSMTPD, Microsoft Exchange Server, hMailServer, and PowerMTA.
  • Large hosted email services accept inbound mail on port 25: Google Workspace MX (aspmx.l.google.com), Microsoft 365/Exchange Online Protection, Amazon SES inbound email, Fastmail, and Proton Mail gateways.
  • Email security gateways terminate SMTP on port 25 to filter and relay mail: Cisco Secure Email (IronPort/ESA), Proofpoint Protection Server, Barracuda Email Security Gateway, Mimecast, and Trend Micro Email Security.
  • Many enterprise mail servers and appliances negotiate STARTTLS on port 25 for opportunistic SMTP encryption.
  • Port 25 is also used by on-prem groupware/mail platforms like HCL Domino and Zimbra for their SMTP/MTA components.
  • Security/abuse: Attackers probe port 25 for open relays and misconfigurations to send spam/phishing; notable SMTP-reachable vulnerabilities include Exim CVE-2019-10149 and OpenSMTPD CVE-2020-7247.

Observed activity

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