lookup_port_numbers

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why lookup_port_numbers needs a policy

This tool retrieves reference data about standard port assignments (e.g., port 80 for HTTP, port 443 for HTTPS). It performs a read-only lookup against a static database of port-to-service mappings. There is no ability to modify, delete, execute code, or cause financial impact. The informational nature of port lookups carries minimal risk even if misused by an AI agent.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'lookup_port_numbers' and description 'Look up common TCP/UDP port numbers and their services' indicate a query/retrieval operation with no side effects.

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

POLICY

How to control lookup_port_numbers

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

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "lookup_port_numbers": {}
  }
}

lookup_port_numbers is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register IT Tools MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Data exfiltration → How read access becomes an exfiltration channel when chained with untrusted content.
MCP token cost → What connecting this server costs in context-window tokens on every request.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about lookup_port_numbers

What does the lookup_port_numbers tool do? +

Look up common TCP/UDP port numbers and their services. It is categorised as a Read tool in the IT Tools MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on lookup_port_numbers? +

Register the IT Tools MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for lookup_port_numbers: 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 IT Tools MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is lookup_port_numbers? +

lookup_port_numbers is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit lookup_port_numbers? +

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

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

lookup_port_numbers is provided by the IT Tools MCP Server MCP server (wrenchpilot/it-tools-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every IT Tools MCP Server tool call.

Start from IT Tools MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →