batch_scan · MCP Port Scanner MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What batch_scan does on MCP Port Scanner

AI agents invoke batch_scan to trigger actions in MCP Port Scanner. 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 batch_scan needs a policy

This tool executes active network reconnaissance against multiple IP addresses simultaneously. Port scanning sends network packets to external hosts, constituting an outbound network operation with real-world side effects. It can trigger IDS/IPS alerts, violate terms of service, or be used for unauthorized reconnaissance. The batch nature amplifies the blast radius significantly compared to a single-target scan.

From the tool's definition '批量扫描多个IP地址' (Batch scan multiple IP addresses) — triggers active network port scanning operations against multiple external targets

Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

batch_scan Rate-limited

batch_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": {
    "batch_scan": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "batch_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 MCP Port Scanner, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about batch_scan

What does the batch_scan tool do? +

批量扫描多个IP地址. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the MCP Port Scanner MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on batch_scan? +

Register the MCP Port Scanner MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for batch_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 MCP Port Scanner. Nothing to install.

What risk level is batch_scan? +

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

Can I rate-limit batch_scan? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the batch_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 batch_scan completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for batch_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 batch_scan? +

batch_scan is provided by the MCP Port Scanner MCP server (relaxcloud-cn/mcp-port-scanner). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.