gdb_step · Gdb Multiarch MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What gdb_step does on Gdb Multiarch

AI agents invoke gdb_step to trigger actions in Gdb Multiarch. 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 gdb_step needs a policy

This tool advances execution of a debugged process by one instruction, which is an active execution control operation. While primarily used for debugging, it causes the target program to execute, which could trigger side effects depending on what code runs. It's an Execute-category action as it controls and runs code in the debugged process.

From the tool's definition Step into the next instruction

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

gdb_step Rate-limited

gdb_step 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": {
    "gdb_step": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "gdb_step_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 Gdb Multiarch, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about gdb_step

What does the gdb_step tool do? +

Step into the next instruction. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Gdb Multiarch MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on gdb_step? +

Register the Gdb Multiarch MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for gdb_step: 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 Gdb Multiarch. Nothing to install.

What risk level is gdb_step? +

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

Can I rate-limit gdb_step? +

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

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

gdb_step is provided by the Gdb Multiarch MCP server (sbergeron42/gdb-multiarch-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.