Transform a payload string through one or more encoding layers for bypass research during authorized testing. Accepts a chain of encodings applied in order (e.g., ["unicode", "url", "base64"] applies Unicode → URL-encode → base64). Returns the transformed payload with a step-by-step decoding expl...
Risk signalsAccepts raw HTML/template content (payload)
Part of the Pentest Mcp Server server.
Free to start. No card required.
AI agents call pentest_encode to retrieve information from Pentest 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 pentest_encode 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.
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"pentest_encode": {}
}
}See the full Pentest Mcp Server policy for all 7 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access pentest_encode gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:
Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.
Transform a payload string through one or more encoding layers for bypass research during authorized testing. Accepts a chain of encodings applied in order (e.g., ["unicode", "url", "base64"] applies Unicode → URL-encode → base64). Returns the transformed payload with a step-by-step decoding explanation: how a WAF or server would decode each layer, and why the combined encoding might bypass a specific filter. Use to understand filter bypass mechanics in an authorized engagement and to confirm that a target's decoding pipeline matches an expected bypass path. Payloads are transformed mathematically — no live probing occurs.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Pentest Mcp Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Pentest Mcp Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for pentest_encode: 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 Pentest Mcp Server. Nothing to install.
pentest_encode is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the pentest_encode 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 pentest_encode. 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.
pentest_encode is provided by the Pentest Mcp Server MCP server (@cyanheads/pentest-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 7 Pentest Mcp Server tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
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