scan_network · MCP Port Scanner MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What scan_network does on MCP Port Scanner

AI agents invoke scan_network 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 scan_network needs a policy

This tool actively scans an entire network segment, sending probes to multiple hosts and ports. This is an Execute-category action because it triggers external network operations whose effects depend on the target range supplied. The blast radius is high because misuse could scan unauthorized networks, trigger intrusion detection systems, violate network policies, or be used for reconnaissance in an attack chain.

From the tool's definition '扫描整个网络段' (scan entire network segment) — triggers active network scanning operations across a range of hosts

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

scan_network Rate-limited

scan_network 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": {
    "scan_network": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "scan_network_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 scan_network

What does the scan_network tool do? +

扫描整个网络段. 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 scan_network? +

Register the MCP Port Scanner MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for scan_network: 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 scan_network? +

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

Can I rate-limit scan_network? +

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

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

scan_network 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.