nmap_scan · Kali Pentest MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What nmap_scan does on Kali Pentest MCP Server

AI agents invoke nmap_scan to trigger actions in Kali Pentest 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 nmap_scan needs a policy

nmap_scan executes an external network scanning tool that actively probes remote hosts, generating real network traffic and potentially triggering intrusion detection systems. While it is primarily reconnaissance (read-like in intent), it performs active external operations whose effects depend on arguments (target, scan type, port range), placing it firmly in Execute.

From the tool's definition 'Perform network port scanning with nmap' — actively runs the nmap tool against a target host to probe open ports and services

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 Pentest MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about nmap_scan

What does the nmap_scan tool do? +

Perform network port scanning with nmap on whitelisted targets. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Kali Pentest 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 nmap_scan? +

Register the Kali Pentest MCP Server 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 Pentest MCP Server. 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 Pentest MCP Server MCP server (salmanfaris7/kali-pentest-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.