run an nmap scan on an ip or ip range (use the right nmap flags based on the first response)
AI agents invoke run_nmap_scan to trigger actions in PentestMCP. 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.
run_nmap_scan triggers real processes with real consequences. An agent gone sideways doesn't fire it once — it starts dozens of builds, sends mass notifications, or burns through compute before anyone looks up.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
run an nmap scan on an ip or ip range (use the right nmap flags based on the first response). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the PentestMCP MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.
Register the Pentest MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_nmap_scan: 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 PentestMCP. Nothing to install.
run_nmap_scan is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run_nmap_scan 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 run_nmap_scan. 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.
run_nmap_scan is provided by the Pentest MCP server (youssefsahnoun/pentestmcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.