active_scan · BasicSec MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What active_scan does on BasicSec MCP Server

AI agents invoke active_scan to trigger actions in BasicSec MCP Server. 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 active_scan needs a policy

The server description distinguishes between passive and active scanning. Active scanning typically involves sending probes or making connections to external systems (like SMTP connectivity tests), which constitutes executing external operations. However, the tool description is empty, so confidence is reduced.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'active_scan' on a server that provides 'active scanning capabilities' and 'SMTP connectivity testing'

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

active_scan Rate-limited

active_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.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "active_scan": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "active_scan_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 BasicSec MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about active_scan

What does the active_scan tool do? +

active_scan. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the BasicSec 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 active_scan? +

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

What risk level is active_scan? +

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

Can I rate-limit active_scan? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the active_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 active_scan completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for active_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 active_scan? +

active_scan is provided by the BasicSec MCP Server MCP server (marlinkcyber/basicsec-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.