httpx_probe · Redteam MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What httpx_probe does on Redteam

AI agents invoke httpx_probe to trigger actions in Redteam. 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 httpx_probe needs a policy

httpx is a fast HTTP probing tool commonly used in reconnaissance to discover live hosts, status codes, technologies, and other HTTP properties. Despite an empty description, the server context (Kali Linux, penetration testing, active attack siblings) and the tool name strongly suggest it executes active HTTP probes against external targets.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'httpx_probe' on a penetration testing server running hacking tools inside a Kali Linux Docker container. Sibling tools include active attack/scan tools like hydra_brute, commix_scan, nikto_scan, msf_auxiliary.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

httpx_probe Rate-limited

httpx_probe 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": {
    "httpx_probe": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "httpx_probe_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 Redteam, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about httpx_probe

What does the httpx_probe tool do? +

httpx_probe. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Redteam MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on httpx_probe? +

Register the Redteam MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for httpx_probe: 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 Redteam. Nothing to install.

What risk level is httpx_probe? +

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

Can I rate-limit httpx_probe? +

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

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

httpx_probe is provided by the Redteam MCP server (samirjani03/redteam-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.