openvas_scan · Kali Linux MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What openvas_scan does on Kali Linux MCP Server

AI agents invoke openvas_scan to trigger actions in Kali Linux 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 openvas_scan needs a policy

OpenVAS is a well-known open-source vulnerability assessment scanner that actively sends probes and exploits to target systems to identify vulnerabilities. Even without a description, the tool name combined with the server context (penetration testing, security assessments, Kali Linux) makes it clear this tool executes active scans against potentially external targets.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'openvas_scan' on a server exposing 60+ Kali Linux security tools including 'network scanning' and 'exploitation frameworks'. OpenVAS is a vulnerability scanner that actively probes targets.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

openvas_scan Rate-limited

openvas_scan 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": {
    "openvas_scan": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "openvas_scan_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 Kali Linux MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about openvas_scan

What does the openvas_scan tool do? +

openvas_scan. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Kali Linux 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 openvas_scan? +

Register the Kali Linux MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for openvas_scan: 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 Kali Linux MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is openvas_scan? +

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

Can I rate-limit openvas_scan? +

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

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

openvas_scan is provided by the Kali Linux MCP Server MCP server (ofryma/custom-mcp-library). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.