run_nmap · Hacking Buddy MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What run_nmap does on Hacking Buddy MCP

AI agents invoke run_nmap 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_nmap needs a policy

This tool executes nmap, a third-party security scanning application, whose effects (network traffic generation, target enumeration, potential alerts to security systems) depend entirely on the target argument provided.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'run_nmap' and description 'Running nmap service scan on a target' directly indicate execution of the nmap network scanning utility, an external command-line tool that performs reconnaissance and port scanning operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

run_nmap Rate-limited

run_nmap 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_nmap": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "run_nmap_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_nmap

What does the run_nmap tool do? +

Running nmap service scan 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_nmap? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit run_nmap? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run_nmap 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_nmap completely? +

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

run_nmap 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.