chkrootkit_scan · Kali MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What chkrootkit_scan does on Kali

AI agents invoke chkrootkit_scan to trigger actions in Kali. 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 chkrootkit_scan needs a policy

The tool executes chkrootkit, a rootkit detection scanner, with arbitrary parameters on a Kali Linux system. While primarily a read/scan operation, it runs a system-level binary with user-supplied parameters on a security-focused OS, making it an Execute-category tool. Misuse could invoke unintended system inspection or be chained with other tools in a penetration testing context.

From the tool's definition Execute chkrootkit with the provided parameters

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

chkrootkit_scan Rate-limited

chkrootkit_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": {
    "chkrootkit_scan": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "chkrootkit_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, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about chkrootkit_scan

What does the chkrootkit_scan tool do? +

Execute chkrootkit with the provided parameters. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Kali MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on chkrootkit_scan? +

Register the Kali MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for chkrootkit_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. Nothing to install.

What risk level is chkrootkit_scan? +

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

Can I rate-limit chkrootkit_scan? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the chkrootkit_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 chkrootkit_scan completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for chkrootkit_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 chkrootkit_scan? +

chkrootkit_scan is provided by the Kali MCP server (pentestt00ls/kali-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.