// MCP TOOL REFERENCE

start_profiling

Part of the Javaperf MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

javaperf Execute Risk 3/5

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents invoke start_profiling to trigger processes or run actions in Javaperf. Execute operations can have side effects beyond the immediate call -- triggering builds, sending notifications, or starting workflows. Rate limits and argument validation are essential to prevent runaway execution.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON START_PROFILING

start_profiling can trigger processes with real-world consequences. An uncontrolled agent might start dozens of builds, send mass notifications, or kick off expensive compute jobs. Intercept enforces rate limits and validates arguments to keep execution within safe bounds.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.

javaperf.yaml

tools:
  start_profiling:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 10
          window: 60
        validate:
          required_args: true

See the full Javaperf policy for all 15 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name start_profiling

Category Execute

MCP Server Javaperf MCP Server

Risk Level High

// MORE JAVAPERF TOOLS

Execute parse_jfr_summary Execute stop_profiling Read analyze_threads Read check_deadlock Read heap_dump Read heap_histogram Read heap_info Read list_java_processes

View all 15 tools →

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

Agents calling execute-class tools like start_profiling have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

// OTHER EXECUTE TOOLS ACROSS MCP SERVERS

Other tools in the Execute risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, validate) apply to each.

Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents commerce_preflight Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents execute_with_context Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents gateway_execute_approval Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents governance_360 Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents parse_governance_block_html AgentClear — API Marketplace for AI Agents call_service

// IN CONTEXT OF HIGH RISK

start_profiling is one of the high-risk operations in Javaperf. For the full severity-focused view — only the high-risk tools with their recommended policies — see the breakdown for this server, or browse all high-risk tools across every MCP server.

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the start_profiling tool do? +

Starts a Java Flight Recorder (JFR) recording on the specified Java process. Uses settings=profile for a full dump. Before starting, rotates files: deletes old_profile.jfr, renames new_profile.jfr → old_profile.jfr. Call list_jfr_recordings to see active recordings; call stop_profiling after duration to save to recordings/new_profile.jfr.. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Javaperf 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_profiling? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for start_profiling. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Javaperf MCP server.

What risk level is start_profiling? +

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

Can I rate-limit start_profiling? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the start_profiling rule in your Intercept 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_profiling completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for start_profiling. 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_profiling? +

start_profiling is provided by the Javaperf MCP server (javaperf). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

start_profiling

Enforce policies on Javaperf