run_sca_scan · Sentinel MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What run_sca_scan does on Sentinel MCP Server

AI agents invoke run_sca_scan to trigger actions in Sentinel 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 run_sca_scan needs a policy

This tool triggers execution of security scanners on user-supplied targets. While the primary intent is benign (vulnerability detection), the tool itself executes code/binaries whose effects depend on what is scanned and how parameters are set. An AI agent could misuse this to scan sensitive code without authorization, extract metadata about systems, or trigger resource exhaustion.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Run SCA scan using Trivy and Grype' — explicitly executes external security tools (Trivy and Grype) whose behavior depends on supplied arguments (target code/artifacts).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

run_sca_scan Rate-limited

run_sca_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": {
    "run_sca_scan": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "run_sca_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 Sentinel MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about run_sca_scan

What does the run_sca_scan tool do? +

Run SCA scan using Trivy and Grype (Unified). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Sentinel 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 run_sca_scan? +

Register the Sentinel MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_sca_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 Sentinel MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is run_sca_scan? +

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

Can I rate-limit run_sca_scan? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run_sca_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 run_sca_scan completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for run_sca_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 run_sca_scan? +

run_sca_scan is provided by the Sentinel MCP Server MCP server (pranjal-lnct/scurity-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.