go_build

THE RISK

High Risk

Why go_build needs a policy

Building Go packages is fundamentally an Execute operation: it runs the Go compiler toolchain to process source code and produce binaries. The explicit mention of "custom build flags support" indicates that arguments control compiler behavior, creating a vector for misuse (e.g., embedding malicious code, cross-compiling for unauthorized targets, or building artifacts unintended by the user).

From the tool's definition "Build Go packages" - the tool executes compilation and build operations, which are code execution operations that invoke the Go compiler toolchain with user-controlled flags via "cross-compilation and custom build flags support".

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access go_build gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control go_build

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and MCP DevTools Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for go_build:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "go_build": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "go_build_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

go_build 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.

Create a free account and register MCP DevTools Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

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All 79 MCP DevTools Server tools →

Execute tools on other servers

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Go deeper

High-risk tools in MCP DevTools Server → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Agent sandbox → Bounding what an agent can execute and where the boundary should sit.
Least privilege for MCP → Granting agents the minimum tool surface the task needs.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about go_build

What does the go_build tool do? +

Build Go packages with cross-compilation and custom build flags support. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the MCP DevTools 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 go_build? +

Register the MCP DevTools Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for go_build: 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 DevTools Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is go_build? +

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

Can I rate-limit go_build? +

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

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

go_build is provided by the MCP DevTools Server MCP server (rshade/mcp-devtools-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every MCP DevTools Server tool call.

Start from MCP DevTools Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →