port_scanner · APIMesh MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What port_scanner does on APIMesh MCP Server

AI agents invoke port_scanner to trigger actions in APIMesh 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 port_scanner needs a policy

A port scanner actively probes network hosts by sending packets to enumerate open ports — this is an external network operation with real side effects. It constitutes active reconnaissance that can trigger IDS/IPS alerts, violate terms of service, or be used offensively against third-party infrastructure.

From the tool's definition "Perform a deep port scan on a target IP or hostname"

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

port_scanner Rate-limited

port_scanner 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": {
    "port_scanner": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "port_scanner_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 APIMesh MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about port_scanner

What does the port_scanner tool do? +

Perform a deep port scan on a target IP or hostname. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the APIMesh 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 port_scanner? +

Register the APIMesh MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for port_scanner: 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 APIMesh MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is port_scanner? +

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

Can I rate-limit port_scanner? +

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

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

port_scanner is provided by the APIMesh MCP Server MCP server (mbeato/apimesh). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.