Inetd - technical definition

A UNIX daemon software program that responds to connection requests on a defined list of ports and then starts the executable program to deliver the services associated with those ports. This software program is sometimes known as “netd.” Inetd is a frequent target of crack attacks because of its capability to launch arbitrary programs listed in its configuration files under any desired user account, including root.

See Also: Attacks; UNIX; Vulnerabilities of Computers.