run_pwncat_scan
A execute tool on the Pentester- MCP server.
This record as markdown: /tools/halilkirazkaya-pentester-mcp/run-pwncat-scan.md
What run_pwncat_scan does on Pentester-MCP
AI agents invoke run_pwncat_scan to trigger actions in Pentester-MCP. 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.
Why run_pwncat_scan is rated High
This tool executes external penetration testing operations (pwncat network scanning/exploitation). While the description is empty, the tool name combined with the server's stated purpose (penetration testing, web exploitation) and architecture (autonomous execution of 200+ such tools) indicates this triggers code/command execution whose effects depend on scan arguments (targets, ports, payloads).
From the tool's definition Tool name 'run_pwncat_scan' combined with server context describing 'penetration testing tools' and 'web exploitation' indicates execution of pwncat, a well-known tool for network reconnaissance and exploitation.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs run_pwncat_scan safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Pentester-MCP, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For run_pwncat_scan, this is the rule to start with:
run_pwncat_scan 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.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Pentester-MCP, apply this rule, and every run_pwncat_scan call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about run_pwncat_scan
run_pwncat_scan is a execute tool on the Pentester MCP server. 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.
Register the Pentester MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_pwncat_scan: 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.
run_pwncat_scan is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run_pwncat_scan 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for run_pwncat_scan. 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.
run_pwncat_scan 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.
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