fortigate_sniff_packets · Fortigate MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What fortigate_sniff_packets does on Fortigate MCP

AI agents invoke fortigate_sniff_packets to trigger actions in Fortigate MCP. 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 fortigate_sniff_packets needs a policy

While packet sniffing itself is read-only in intent (inspecting traffic without modification), the act of executing a sniffer on a live system with SSH access constitutes command execution on network infrastructure. The 'tightly bounded' qualifier and 'mandatory BPF-style filter' suggest safeguards, but the tool still triggers active network capture operations.

From the tool's definition Tool performs 'Run a tightly bounded packet sniffer' — this executes a live network capture operation on the firewall, which is an external operation with side effects (consuming resources, capturing live traffic) whose actual impact depends on the filter…

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

fortigate_sniff_packets Rate-limited

fortigate_sniff_packets 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": {
    "fortigate_sniff_packets": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "fortigate_sniff_packets_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 Fortigate MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about fortigate_sniff_packets

What does the fortigate_sniff_packets tool do? +

Run a tightly bounded packet sniffer with a mandatory BPF-style filter and packet count. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Fortigate MCP MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on fortigate_sniff_packets? +

Register the Fortigate MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for fortigate_sniff_packets: 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 Fortigate MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is fortigate_sniff_packets? +

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

Can I rate-limit fortigate_sniff_packets? +

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

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

fortigate_sniff_packets is provided by the Fortigate MCP server (picaresco/mcp-fortigate). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.