run_banner_grabbing · Hacking Buddy MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What run_banner_grabbing does on Hacking Buddy MCP

AI agents invoke run_banner_grabbing to trigger actions in Hacking Buddy MCP. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why run_banner_grabbing needs a policy

This tool executes external commands (nmap banner grabbing) against network targets, which is a form of code/command execution with side effects dependent on the target argument. While not destructive or financial, it actively runs operations that could be misused to probe unauthorized systems.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'run_banner_grabbing' combined with description 'Running nmap banner grab on a target' indicates execution of network reconnaissance commands against external targets.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

run_banner_grabbing Rate-limited

run_banner_grabbing 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.

View as policy code

policy.json

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

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Hacking Buddy MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about run_banner_grabbing

What does the run_banner_grabbing tool do? +

Running nmap banner grab on a target. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Hacking Buddy 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 run_banner_grabbing? +

Register the Hacking Buddy MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_banner_grabbing: 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 Hacking Buddy MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is run_banner_grabbing? +

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

Can I rate-limit run_banner_grabbing? +

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

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

run_banner_grabbing is provided by the Hacking Buddy MCP server (manuelberrueta/hacking-buddy-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.