zap_scan · Kali Linux MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What zap_scan does on Kali Linux MCP Server

AI agents invoke zap_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 zap_scan needs a policy

This tool actively executes a web application security scan against target systems using OWASP ZAP. It performs active probing, fuzzing, and attack simulation against web applications, which constitutes external operation execution with significant blast radius — it can trigger intrusion detection systems, cause application instability, and constitutes unauthorized access if used against systems without permission.

From the tool's definition Execute OWASP ZAP web application security scan

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

zap_scan Rate-limited

zap_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": {
    "zap_scan": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "zap_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 zap_scan

What does the zap_scan tool do? +

Execute OWASP ZAP web application security 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 zap_scan? +

Register the Kali Linux MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for zap_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 zap_scan? +

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

Can I rate-limit zap_scan? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the zap_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 zap_scan completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for zap_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 zap_scan? +

zap_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.