AI agents call list_programs to retrieve information from Shodan without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and displays data about HackerOne programs and assets without any side effects. It is a read-only operation used for reconnaissance and inventory purposes. While it provides information about security scopes, it does not execute code, modify data, or commit financial/destructive actions.
From the tool's definition Tool is called 'list_programs' and description states it 'List all programs and assets currently tracked in the HackerOne' — a pure retrieval operation with no modification, deletion, or execution.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all programs and assets currently tracked in the HackerOne. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Shodan MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Shodan MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_programs: 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 Shodan. Nothing to install.
list_programs 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 list_programs 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 list_programs. 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.
list_programs is provided by the Shodan MCP server (tobiasguta/shodan-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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