run_checkov

THE RISK

High Risk

Why run_checkov needs a policy

Checkov execution scans code/infrastructure and can have side effects like writing reports, triggering remediation logic, or affecting build pipelines. This is an Execute category tool because it runs an external process/analysis whose side effects depend on the scanned code and Checkov's configuration.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'run_checkov' indicates execution of Checkov, a static code analysis and infrastructure-as-code security scanning tool. No description provided, but the name strongly implies running an external analysis process.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access run_checkov gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control run_checkov

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and AWS API MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for run_checkov:

policy.json

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

run_checkov 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.

Create a free account and register AWS API MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

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All 805 AWS API MCP Server tools →

Execute tools on other servers

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Go deeper

Govern code and CI agents → Branch allowlists, approval on merges, and rate caps on the build and pipeline tools agents trigger.
High-risk tools in AWS API MCP Server → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Agent sandbox → Bounding what an agent can execute and where the boundary should sit.
Least privilege for MCP → Granting agents the minimum tool surface the task needs.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →
PolicyLayer vs alternatives → How deterministic, per-call MCP policy compares with gateways, identity layers, and authorisation platforms.

FAQ

Questions about run_checkov

What does the run_checkov tool do? +

run_checkov. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the AWS API MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on run_checkov? +

Register the AWS API MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_checkov: 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 AWS API MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is run_checkov? +

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

Can I rate-limit run_checkov? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run_checkov 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 run_checkov completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for run_checkov. 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 run_checkov? +

run_checkov is provided by the AWS API MCP Server MCP server (awslabs.aws-api-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every AWS API MCP Server tool call.

Start from AWS API MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →