create_listener · Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What create_listener does on Cobalt Strike MCP Server

AI agents invoke create_listener to trigger actions in Cobalt Strike 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 create_listener needs a policy

Creating a listener in Cobalt Strike sets up an active network service that accepts incoming beacon connections from compromised hosts. This triggers an external operation with real infrastructure impact — it opens network ports and establishes command-and-control channels. It is not a simple data write; it executes operational infrastructure that enables further compromise of target systems.

From the tool's definition 'Create a new listener (HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMB, etc.)' on a Cobalt Strike red team operations server

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_listener Rate-limited

create_listener 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": {
    "create_listener": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_listener_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 Cobalt Strike MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_listener

What does the create_listener tool do? +

Create a new listener (HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMB, etc.). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Cobalt Strike 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 create_listener? +

Register the Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_listener: 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 Cobalt Strike MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_listener? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_listener? +

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

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

create_listener is provided by the Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP server (mickeydb/cobalt-strike-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.