start_kubectl_port_forward

THE RISK

High Risk

Why start_kubectl_port_forward needs a policy

Port-forwarding is an Execute action: it triggers external operations (kubectl commands) whose effects depend on runtime arguments. While not immediately destructive or financial, misuse could enable unauthorized access to Kubernetes services, lateral movement in cluster infrastructure, or exposure of internal services.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'start_kubectl_port_forward' indicates execution of kubectl port-forward commands, which initiate network forwarding operations with side effects depending on arguments (target pod, local port, remote port).

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

POLICY

How to control start_kubectl_port_forward

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 start_kubectl_port_forward:

policy.json

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

start_kubectl_port_forward 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 →

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EXPLORE

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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 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 start_kubectl_port_forward

What does the start_kubectl_port_forward tool do? +

start_kubectl_port_forward. 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 start_kubectl_port_forward? +

Register the Pentester- MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for start_kubectl_port_forward: 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 start_kubectl_port_forward? +

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

Can I rate-limit start_kubectl_port_forward? +

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

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

start_kubectl_port_forward 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 →