nuclei_scan · Redteam MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What nuclei_scan does on Redteam

AI agents invoke nuclei_scan 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 nuclei_scan needs a policy

Nuclei executes active vulnerability scanning using templates against external targets. This triggers real network requests and probe attempts against systems, making it an Execute-category tool. Running on a Kali Linux container explicitly for penetration testing increases the blast radius — misuse could constitute unauthorized scanning of third-party systems, hence high severity.

From the tool's definition Run Nuclei template-based vulnerability scanner against a target

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

nuclei_scan Rate-limited

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

FAQ

Questions about nuclei_scan

What does the nuclei_scan tool do? +

Run Nuclei template-based vulnerability scanner against a target. 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 nuclei_scan? +

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

What risk level is nuclei_scan? +

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

Can I rate-limit nuclei_scan? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the nuclei_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 nuclei_scan completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for nuclei_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 nuclei_scan? +

nuclei_scan 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.