Read and analyze a pcap file from the remote Kali machine. Returns packets in JSON format.
AI agents call tshark_read_pcap to retrieve information from Wireshark MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs read-only operations on captured network traffic data. While it retrieves sensitive information (packet contents, which may contain credentials, PII, or proprietary protocols), it does not modify, execute code, delete data, or move financial resources. The 'medium' severity reflects that misuse could expose sensitive network traffic details, but the core operation is non-destructive data retrieval.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'tshark_read_pcap' and description 'Read and analyze a pcap file from the remote Kali machine. Returns packets in JSON format.' indicate retrieval and analysis of existing packet capture data without modification or deletion.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Read and analyze a pcap file from the remote Kali machine. Returns packets in JSON format. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Wireshark MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Wireshark MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for tshark_read_pcap: 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.
tshark_read_pcap is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the tshark_read_pcap 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for tshark_read_pcap. 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.
tshark_read_pcap 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.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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