run_masscan_discovery · Hacking Buddy MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What run_masscan_discovery does on Hacking Buddy MCP

AI agents invoke run_masscan_discovery 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_masscan_discovery needs a policy

This tool executes an external command (masscan) that actively scans network ports across IP ranges. While not destructive or financial, it triggers external operations (network scanning) whose effects depend on the provided arguments (IP ranges and ports scanned). The ability to run network scans could be misused for unauthorized reconnaissance or to probe systems without permission.

From the tool's definition Tool name contains 'run_' prefix indicating execution; description states 'Running masscan scan' which is an external network scanning tool execution; the tool performs active network reconnaissance by scanning IP ranges

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

run_masscan_discovery Rate-limited

run_masscan_discovery 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_masscan_discovery": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "run_masscan_discovery_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_masscan_discovery

What does the run_masscan_discovery tool do? +

Running masscan scan all port scan of ip range. 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_masscan_discovery? +

Register the Hacking Buddy MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_masscan_discovery: 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_masscan_discovery? +

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

Can I rate-limit run_masscan_discovery? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run_masscan_discovery 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_masscan_discovery completely? +

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

run_masscan_discovery 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.