spawn_powershell_unmanaged · Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What spawn_powershell_unmanaged does on Cobalt Strike MCP Server

AI agents invoke spawn_powershell_unmanaged 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 spawn_powershell_unmanaged needs a policy

This tool executes arbitrary PowerShell commands with unmanaged execution mode, enabling arbitrary code execution on compromised systems. The unmanaged/spawn mode indicates execution outside normal PowerShell constraints, maximizing capability and evasion potential.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'spawn_powershell_unmanaged' and description 'Execute unmanaged PowerShell (spawn mode)' directly indicate arbitrary code execution via PowerShell. Context shows this is a Cobalt Strike red team management tool, confirming execution capability.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

spawn_powershell_unmanaged Rate-limited

spawn_powershell_unmanaged 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": {
    "spawn_powershell_unmanaged": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "spawn_powershell_unmanaged_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 spawn_powershell_unmanaged

What does the spawn_powershell_unmanaged tool do? +

Execute unmanaged PowerShell (spawn mode). 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 spawn_powershell_unmanaged? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit spawn_powershell_unmanaged? +

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

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

spawn_powershell_unmanaged 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.