Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of Forescout Platform Administration and Deployment:
The Service Banner host property is resolved by NMAP scanning. According to the Forescout Administration Guide - Advanced Classification Properties, the Service Banner property "Indicates the service and version information, as determined by Nmap".
Service Banner Property:
The Service Banner is an Advanced Classification Property that captures critical service identification information:
Purpose - Identifies running services and their versions on endpoints
Resolution Method - Uses NMAP banner scanning functionality
Information Provided - Service name and version numbers (e.g., "Apache 2.4.41", "OpenSSH 7.6")
NMAP Banner Scanning Configuration:
According to the HPS Inspection Engine Configuration Guide, the Service Banner is specifically resolved when "Use Nmap Banner Scan" option is selected:
When Use Nmap Banner Scan is enabled, the HPS Inspection Engine uses NMAP banner scans to improve the resolution of device services, application versions, and other details that help classify endpoints.
NMAP Banner Scan Process:
According to the CounterACT HPS Inspection Engine Guide, when NMAP banner scanning is enabled:
text
NMAP command line parameters for banner scan:
-T Insane -sV -p T: 21,22,23,53,80,135,88,1723,3389,5900
The -sV parameter specifically performs version detection, which resolves the Service Banner property by scanning open ports and identifying service banners returned by those services.
Classification Process:
The Service Banner property is resolved through the following workflow:
Port Detection - Forescout identifies open ports on the endpoint
Banner Scanning - NMAP sends requests to identified ports
Service Identification - Services respond with banner information containing version data
Property Resolution - The Service Banner property is populated with the version information discovered
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
A. Packet engine - The Packet Engine provides network visibility through port mirroring, but does not resolve service banners through deep packet inspection
C. Device classification engine - While involved in overall classification, the Device Classification Engine doesn't specifically resolve service banners; NMAP does
D. Device profile library - The Device Profile Library contains pre-defined classification profiles but doesn't actively scan for service banners
E. NetFlow - NetFlow provides network flow data and statistics, but cannot determine service version information
Service Banner Examples:
Service Banner property values resolved by NMAP scanning include:
NMAP Scanning Requirements:
According to the documentation:
NMAP Banner Scan must be explicitly enabled in HPS Inspection Engine configuration
Banner scanning targets specific ports typically associated with common services
Service version information improves endpoint classification accuracy
Referenced Documentation:
Forescout Administration Guide - Advanced Classification Properties
HPS Inspection Engine - Configure Classification Utility
CounterACT Endpoint Module HPS Inspection Engine Configuration Guide Version 10.8
NMAP Scan Logs documentation
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