How SOCKS5 Works

[chushpan]

What is SOCKS5?​

SOCKS5 is a proxy server protocol that allows network traffic to be routed through an intermediate server (proxy). This protocol is used to provide anonymity, bypass blocking, and improve security when working on the Internet. SOCKS5 is an improved version of previous versions of the SOCKS protocol and supports more features, such as working with UDP and authentication.

How does SOCKS5 work?​

SOCKS5 works as an intermediary between the client (e.g. your computer) and the target server (e.g. a website or service). When you use SOCKS5, your traffic goes through a proxy server, which hides your real IP address and replaces it with its own.

The main stages of SOCKS5 operation:​

1. Connecting the client to the proxy server:
   • The client (such as a browser or program) sends a request to the proxy server via the SOCKS5 port (usually 1080).
   • The proxy server checks the connection and prepares to redirect traffic.
2. Authentication (optional):
   • If the proxy server is configured to use authentication, the client must provide a login and password.
   • This increases security and prevents unauthorized use of proxies.
3. Traffic routing:
   • Once a connection is established, the client sends requests (such as HTTP or FTP) through the proxy server.
   • The proxy server redirects requests to the target server, replacing the client's IP address with its own.
4. Receiving a response:
   • The target server sends a response back to the proxy server.
   • The proxy server forwards the response to the client.
5. Terminating the connection:
   • After the session is completed, the connection is closed.

SOCKS5 Features​

1. TCP and UDP support:
   • SOCKS5 can work with both TCP (e.g. for websites) and UDP (e.g. for streaming video or VoIP).
2. Anonymity:
   • A proxy server hides your real IP address, making you less visible online.
3. Authentication:
   • Supports authentication methods (such as login and password), which protects the proxy from unauthorized use.
4. Flexibility:
   • Can be used for various types of traffic: HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, BitTorrent and other protocols.

Example of SOCKS5 operation​

Scenario: Bypassing website blocking​

1. The user wants to visit a website that is blocked in his region.
2. It configures the browser or program to use a SOCKS5 proxy.
3. The user's traffic is routed through a proxy server located in another country.
4. The target site sees the proxy server's IP address, not the user's.
5. The site becomes accessible because the blocking is applied to the user's IP address, not the proxy.

Advantages of SOCKS5​

1. Anonymity:
   • Hides your real IP address, making it difficult to track your activities.
2. Bypass restrictions:
   • Allows you to bypass geographic blocking and censorship.
3. Safety:
   • Protects your traffic from interception (especially if encryption is used).
4. Versatility:
   • Works with various protocols and applications.
5. Performance:
   • Less overhead compared to other protocols (e.g. HTTP proxy).

Disadvantages of SOCKS5​

1. No encryption:
   • SOCKS5 itself does not encrypt traffic. To protect data, it is recommended to use additional tools such as TLS/SSL or VPN.
2. Proxy server dependency:
   • If the proxy server is slow or unreliable, it can affect the speed and stability of the connection.
3. Privacy risks:
   • If you use a public SOCKS5 proxy, the server operator can see your traffic.

Where is SOCKS5 used?​

1. Anonymization:
   • Used to hide your IP address and increase your anonymity on the Internet.
2. Bypassing blockages:
   • Allows you to access blocked sites or services.
3. P2P networks:
   • Often used for torrents and other P2P applications due to its UDP support.
4. Games and Streaming:
   • Improves performance and reduces latency by directly routing traffic.
5. Development and testing:
   • Developers use SOCKS5 to test applications in different regions.

How to set up SOCKS5?​

1. Setting in the browser:
   • In the browser settings (for example, Firefox), you can specify a SOCKS5 proxy manually.
   • Specify the IP address and port of the proxy server.
2. Using programs:
   • Some programs (for example, torrent clients) support SOCKS5 configuration in their parameters.
3. Using SSH tunnel:
   • You can create a SOCKS5 proxy via SSH:
     

     ssh -D 1080 user@your-server

   • Then configure your browser or program to use the proxy on localhost:1080.
4. Using paid services:
   • Many providers offer SOCKS5 proxies with high speed and reliability.

Conclusion​

SOCKS5 is a powerful and versatile protocol that provides anonymity, bypassing restrictions, and routing traffic through a proxy server. It is widely used for various tasks, from simple web browsing to complex network applications. However, it is important to remember that SOCKS5 does not encrypt traffic, so for maximum security it is recommended to combine it with other tools, such as TLS/SSL or VPN.

If you have any additional questions about how SOCKS5 works or examples of its use, please ask!

 

[Man]

How does SOCKS5 work?​

SOCKS5 is a proxy protocol that redirects Internet traffic through an intermediate server, hiding the user's real IP address. Unlike HTTP proxies, it operates at the transport level (TCP/UDP) and supports authentication.

1. Main features of SOCKS5​

TCP and UDP support (can be used for torrent, VoIP, games).
Authentication (login/password or without it).
End-to-end encryption (if used over VPN/TOR).
Bypasses blocking (unlike HTTP proxy, does not change headers).

2. How does the connection work?​

2.1. Establishing a connection​

1. The client connects to a SOCKS5 server (for example, socks5://1.2.3.4:1080).
2. Sends authentication method:
   • 0x00 - no authentication,
   • 0x02 — login/password.
3. The server confirms the method (0x00 = success).

2.2. Request to connect to the target resource​

The client sends a command to the server:

• 0x01 - establishing a TCP connection,
• 0x03 — UDP association (for DNS, VoIP).

Example request (in HEX):

05 01 00 01 7F 00 00 01 1F 40

• 05 — SOCKS5 version,
• 01 — command (TCP),
• 00 — reserved,
• 01 — address type (IPv4),
• 7F 00 00 01 — IP 127.0.0.1,
• 1F 40 - port 8000.

2.3. The server redirects traffic​

• If the connection is successful, the server responds:
  

  05 00 00 01 00 00 00 00 10 10

  • 00 - success,
  • 00 00 00 00 — assigned IP (can be any),
  • 10 10 — port (4112).

3. Difference between SOCKS5 and VPN and HTTP proxy​

Criterion	SOCKS5	HTTP proxy	VPN
Level of work	Transport (TCP/UDP)	Application (HTTP/HTTPS)	Network (encapsulation of all traffic)
Encryption	No (unless over VPN)	No (unless HTTPS)	Yes (AES, WireGuard)
Speed	High	Average	Depends on encryption
UDP support	Yes	No	Yes

4. Where is SOCKS5 used?​

• Bypassing blocking (for example, to access blocked websites).
• Scraping and parsing (to avoid IP ban).
• Torrents (via SOCKS5 you can hide your real IP).
• Games (if you need a stable ping via proxy).
• Carding (to match the IP address to the address of the rightful owner of the card)

5. How to configure SOCKS5?​

5.1 On the client side​

• Browser (Firefox):
  Settings → Proxy → Manual settings → SOCKS5.
• Terminal (Linux/macOS):
  

  curl --socks5 1.2.3.4:1080 https://example.com

• Telegram:
  Settings → Proxy → SOCKS5.

5.2. Launching your own SOCKS5 server​

Via SSH (if you have a VPS):

ssh -D 1080 user@1.2.3.4 -N

Via Dante (Linux):

sudo apt install dante-server
sudo nano /etc/danted.conf

Config:

logoutput: syslog
user.privileged: root
user.unprivileged: nobody
internal: 0.0.0.0 port = 1080
external: eth0
method: username # или none
client pass {
    from: 0.0.0.0/0 to: 0.0.0.0/0
}
pass {
    from: 0.0.0.0/0 to: 0.0.0.0/0
    command: connect
}

6. SOCKS5 Security​

⚠ No encryption: Traffic between the client and the SOCKS5 server is not encrypted (unless used over VPN/SSH).
⚠ DNS leak: Some clients send DNS requests bypassing the proxy (the solution is proxy-dns in the settings).

How to protect yourself:

• Use SOCKS5 + VPN (e.g. via Shadowsocks).
• Enable authentication (login/password).

Conclusion​

1. SOCKS5 is a TCP/UDP proxy that hides IP and bypasses blocking.
2. Does not encrypt traffic, but works faster than VPN.
3. You can configure it in a browser, terminal or on your server .

Need help setting up or choosing a SOCKS5 provider? Write!