tshark_capture · Wireshark MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What tshark_capture does on Wireshark MCP Server

AI agents invoke tshark_capture to trigger actions in Wireshark 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 tshark_capture needs a policy

This tool actively initiates a network packet capture process on a remote machine with elevated privileges (sudo). It is not merely reading existing data — it triggers an external operation (live capture) that intercepts network traffic. Misuse could enable surveillance of sensitive communications, credential capture, or network reconnaissance.

From the tool's definition 'Start packet capture on the remote Kali machine' and 'Requires sudo on the remote host'

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

tshark_capture Rate-limited

tshark_capture 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": {
    "tshark_capture": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "tshark_capture_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 Wireshark MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about tshark_capture

What does the tshark_capture tool do? +

Start packet capture on the remote Kali machine. Returns captured packets in JSON format. Requires sudo on the remote host. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Wireshark 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 tshark_capture? +

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

What risk level is tshark_capture? +

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

Can I rate-limit tshark_capture? +

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

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

tshark_capture is provided by the Wireshark MCP Server MCP server (schwarztim/sec-wireshark-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.