nmap_scan · Kali MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What nmap_scan does on Kali

AI agents invoke nmap_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 nmap_scan needs a policy

nmap_scan actively executes network reconnaissance against external targets. It triggers real network traffic, probes remote hosts, and can reveal open ports/services. In the context of a penetration testing server with tools like Hydra and SQLMap, misuse could enable unauthorized network scanning of third-party systems.

From the tool's definition 'Run an nmap port scan on a target IP or hostname' on a server described as integrating 'network security and penetration testing tools'

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

nmap_scan Rate-limited

nmap_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": {
    "nmap_scan": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "nmap_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 nmap_scan

What does the nmap_scan tool do? +

Run an nmap port scan on a target IP or hostname. Can scan specific ports or ranges. 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 nmap_scan? +

Register the Kali MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for nmap_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 nmap_scan? +

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

Can I rate-limit nmap_scan? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the nmap_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 nmap_scan completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for nmap_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 nmap_scan? +

nmap_scan is provided by the Kali MCP server (rangta10/kali-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.