passive_scan
AI agents call passive_scan to retrieve information from BasicSec MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Passive scanning retrieves security configuration data from DNS/email systems without modifying records or triggering side effects. It is grouped with other informational tools on this security analysis server. While the empty description lowers confidence slightly, the naming convention and peer tools clearly indicate read-only behavior typical of passive security audits.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'passive_scan' and sits alongside other read-only security analysis tools (get_dmarc_record, get_mx_records, get_spf_record, check_dnssec_status, analyze_dnssec_security).
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
passive_scan. It is categorised as a Read tool in the BasicSec MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the BasicSec MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for passive_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.
passive_scan is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the passive_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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for passive_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.
passive_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.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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