AI agents call reverse_dns to retrieve information from Arkime without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool purely retrieves DNS information from existing records. It has no ability to modify network state, execute commands, delete data, or trigger financial transactions. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an AI agent could only gather publicly available DNS information. Classified as Read with low severity.
From the tool's definition Tool performs reverse DNS lookup via PTR records, a non-destructive query operation that retrieves DNS metadata for an IP address. The description states it 'Get[s] PTR/reverse DNS records' with no mention of modification, deletion, or execution capabilities.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get PTR/reverse DNS records for an IP address. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Arkime MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Arkime MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for reverse_dns: 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 Arkime. Nothing to install.
reverse_dns 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 reverse_dns 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 reverse_dns. 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.
reverse_dns is provided by the Arkime MCP server (swannman/arkime-mcp-server). 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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