run_gau

THE RISK

High Risk

Why run_gau needs a policy

This tool executes an external penetration testing utility (GAU) whose effects depend on arguments (target domain, scope). While primarily a reconnaissance tool (which would be Read category), the Pentester-MCP architecture emphasizes autonomous execution of tools through a unified system with Docker sandboxing, indicating the tool runs arbitrary reconnaissance commands with side effects on the target system's…

From the tool's definition Tool name 'run_gau' on Pentester-MCP server described as enabling 'autonomously execute over 200 open-source penetration testing tools' including 'reconnaissance, web exploitation, and brute-forcing'.

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

POLICY

How to control run_gau

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

policy.json

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

run_gau 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 Pentester-MCP — 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

Related tools and policies

More Pentester-MCP tools

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All 337 Pentester-MCP tools →

Execute tools on other servers

Android Forensics ADB MCP Server adb_shell_command EMBA-MCP run_emba_scan Frida Game Hacking MCP remove_breakpoint Procmon request_elevation

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 Pentester-MCP → 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_gau

What does the run_gau tool do? +

run_gau. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Pentester-MCP 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_gau? +

Register the Pentester- MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_gau: 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 Pentester-MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is run_gau? +

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

Can I rate-limit run_gau? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run_gau 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_gau completely? +

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

run_gau is provided by the Pentester- MCP server (halilkirazkaya/pentester-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Pentester-MCP tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →