capture_packets

Capture live traffic and provide raw packet data as JSON for LLM analysis

SERVERWireMCP SOURCE0xkoda/wiremcp

High RISK CLASS

Category Execute

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade B, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/0xkoda-wiremcp/capture-packets.md

WHAT IT DOES

What capture_packets does on WireMCP

AI agents invoke capture_packets to trigger actions in WireMCP. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call: builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

RISK

Why capture_packets is rated High

This tool executes a live network capture process on the host system via tshark. It triggers an external operation (packet sniffing) whose scope and impact depend on arguments such as interface, filter, and duration. Misuse could expose sensitive network traffic including credentials, PII, or internal communications.

From the tool's definition 'Capture live traffic' — the tool actively triggers a live network capture operation using tshark, producing real-time packet data

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs capture_packets safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and WireMCP, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For capture_packets, this is the rule to start with:

capture_packets Rate-limited

capture_packets stays usable, but rate-capped: a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "capture_packets": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "capture_packets_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect WireMCP, apply this rule, and every capture_packets call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about capture_packets

What does the capture_packets tool do? +

Capture live traffic and provide raw packet data as JSON for LLM analysis. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the WireMCP MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on capture_packets? +

Register the Wire MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for capture_packets: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches WireMCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is capture_packets? +

capture_packets is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit capture_packets? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the capture_packets rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block capture_packets completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for capture_packets. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides capture_packets? +

capture_packets is provided by the Wire MCP server (0xkoda/wiremcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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