create_listener_tcp · Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What create_listener_tcp does on Cobalt Strike MCP Server

AI agents invoke create_listener_tcp 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_tcp needs a policy

Creating a TCP listener in Cobalt Strike sets up a C2 communication channel that accepts incoming beacon connections. This is an active network operation that triggers external infrastructure changes and enables further red team/adversarial actions. It is not merely writing data; it executes a persistent network service.

From the tool's definition 'Create a TCP listener' on a Cobalt Strike red team operations server — establishes a network listener for C2 (command-and-control) beacon callbacks

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_listener_tcp Rate-limited

create_listener_tcp 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_tcp": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_listener_tcp_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_tcp

What does the create_listener_tcp tool do? +

Create a TCP listener. 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_tcp? +

Register the Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_listener_tcp: 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_tcp? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_listener_tcp? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_listener_tcp 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_tcp completely? +

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

create_listener_tcp 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.