Low Risk

reverse_dns_lookup

Get hostnames for IP addresses using reverse DNS lookup

Part of the Shodan MCP Server MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

AI agents call reverse_dns_lookup to retrieve information from Shodan MCP Server without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

Even though reverse_dns_lookup only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

cyreslab-ai-shodan-mcp-server.yaml
tools:
  reverse_dns_lookup:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Shodan MCP Server policy for all 23 tools.

Tool Name reverse_dns_lookup
Category Read
Risk Level Low

View all 23 tools →

Agents calling read-class tools like reverse_dns_lookup have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Other tools in the Read risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, allow) apply to each.

What does the reverse_dns_lookup tool do? +

Get hostnames for IP addresses using reverse DNS lookup. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Shodan MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on reverse_dns_lookup? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for reverse_dns_lookup. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Shodan MCP Server MCP server.

What risk level is reverse_dns_lookup? +

reverse_dns_lookup is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit reverse_dns_lookup? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the reverse_dns_lookup rule in your Intercept 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 reverse_dns_lookup completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for reverse_dns_lookup. 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 reverse_dns_lookup? +

reverse_dns_lookup is provided by the Shodan MCP Server MCP server (Cyreslab-AI/shodan-mcp-server). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Shodan MCP Server

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
// GET IN TOUCH

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