TCP Port 19 – chargen

Character Generator. Used to trouble-shoot TCP/IP stacks. Generates random characters at a high rate. DOS Threat: Attackers will loop it to the echo port, creating a very effective host and subnet DOS. Disable this port on all hosts, enable only for brief trouble-shooting tests

About TCP Port 19

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) registers port 19 for chargen. The IANA description reads: ‘Character Generator’.

Data Sources

This information is compiled from: IANA Service Name and Transport Protocol Port Number Registry and Snort Community Rules (GPLv2).