High Risk →

gdb_finish

Execute until the current function returns

How to control gdb_finish ↓

AI agents invoke gdb_finish to trigger actions in MCP GDB 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.

High Risk

This tool runs a debugging command that alters program execution flow by resuming execution until function return. While not immediately destructive or financial, it represents code execution with side effects on the debugged process.

From the tool's definition Tool executes a GDB command ('Execute until the current function returns') which triggers external debugging operations whose effects depend on program state and execution context. GDB command execution is inherently an Execute category operation.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access gdb_finish gives an agent:

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and MCP GDB Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for gdb_finish:

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "gdb_finish": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "gdb_finish_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

gdb_finish 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.

  1. Create a free account and register MCP GDB Server — nothing to install.
  2. Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
  3. Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.
RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

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Go deeper

What does the gdb_finish tool do? +

Execute until the current function returns. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the MCP GDB 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 gdb_finish? +

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

What risk level is gdb_finish? +

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

Can I rate-limit gdb_finish? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the gdb_finish 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_finish completely? +

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

gdb_finish is provided by the MCP GDB Server MCP server (signal-slot/mcp-gdb). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every MCP GDB Server tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 17 MCP GDB Server tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

Free to start. No card required.

17 MCP GDB Server tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 42,500+ MCP servers.

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