Enumerate local groups (spawn mode)
AI agents call spawn_net_localGroup to retrieve information from Cobalt Strike MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves group membership and local group data from a compromised system. While it is a Read operation (no data is modified or deleted), severity is high because: (1) it operates within Cobalt Strike, a red team framework assuming post-compromise context, (2) enumeration of local groups is reconnaissance that enables privilege escalation or lateral movement planning, and (3) in the context of other…
From the tool's definition Tool name 'spawn_net_localGroup' and description 'Enumerate local groups (spawn mode)' indicate querying/retrieval of local group information without modification. The 'Enumerate' verb explicitly signals a read operation.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Enumerate local groups (spawn mode). It is categorised as a Read tool in the Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for spawn_net_localGroup: 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.
spawn_net_localGroup 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 spawn_net_localGroup 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 spawn_net_localGroup. 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.
spawn_net_localGroup 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.
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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