upload_file
Upload/write a file to the Kali Linux container. Useful for uploading wordlists, scripts, or configuration files.
This record as markdown: /tools/hannes221-kali-mcp/upload-file.md
What upload_file does on Kali
AI agents use upload_file to create or update resources in Kali, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Kali environment.
Why upload_file is rated Medium
This tool creates or modifies files in a running Kali Linux environment. While reversible (files can be deleted), it enables introduction of malicious scripts, modified wordlists, or dangerous configuration files into a security testing container. Combined with the sibling execute_command tool, an agent could upload and then execute arbitrary code.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Upload/write a file to the Kali Linux container' and mentions uploading 'wordlists, scripts, or configuration files.' The tool directly modifies the container's filesystem by writing user-supplied content.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs upload_file safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Kali, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For upload_file, this is the rule to start with:
upload_file stays usable, but capped: an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Kali, apply this rule, and every upload_file call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about upload_file
Upload/write a file to the Kali Linux container. Useful for uploading wordlists, scripts, or configuration files. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Kali MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Kali MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for upload_file: 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 Kali. Nothing to install.
upload_file is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the upload_file 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 upload_file. 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.
upload_file is provided by the Kali MCP server (hannes221/kali-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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