port_scan

THE RISK

High Risk

Why port_scan needs a policy

This tool executes nmap network scanning operations against external targets. While it reads/retrieves information, it actively sends network packets to external hosts (a side effect), and in a penetration testing context can be used for unauthorized reconnaissance. The 'stealth' and 'aggressive' presets indicate active probing behavior.

From the tool's definition Smart nmap wrapper with scan presets (quick, full, stealth, udp, service, aggressive)

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

POLICY

How to control port_scan

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Kali MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for port_scan:

policy.json

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

port_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.

Create a free account and register Kali MCP Server — 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 →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

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All 36 Kali MCP Server tools →

Execute tools on other servers

Android Forensics ADB MCP Server adb_shell_command EMBA-MCP run_emba_scan Frida Game Hacking MCP remove_breakpoint Procmon request_elevation

Go deeper

High-risk tools in Kali MCP Server → 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 →

FAQ

Questions about port_scan

What does the port_scan tool do? +

Smart nmap wrapper with scan presets (quick, full, stealth, udp, service, aggressive). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Kali MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on port_scan? +

Register the Kali MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for port_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 Kali MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is port_scan? +

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

Can I rate-limit port_scan? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the port_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.

How do I block port_scan completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for port_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.

What MCP server provides port_scan? +

port_scan is provided by the Kali MCP Server MCP server (k3nn3dy-ai/kali-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Kali MCP Server tool call.

Start from Kali MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →