hosts_add

A write tool on the Zebbern Kali MCP server.

SERVERZebbern Kali MCP SOURCEzebbern/zebbern-kali-mcp

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/zebbern-zebbern-kali-mcp/hosts-add.md

WHAT IT DOES

What hosts_add does on Zebbern Kali MCP

AI agents use hosts_add to create or update resources in Zebbern Kali MCP, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Zebbern Kali MCP environment.

RISK

Why hosts_add is rated Medium

The 'hosts_add' tool creates or modifies system configuration (hosts file entries), making it a Write operation. While reversible (entries can be removed), modifying network resolution can redirect traffic, poison DNS locally, or enable attack infrastructure—high severity in an offensive security context.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'hosts_add' suggests adding entries to a system hosts file, which modifies DNS resolution behavior. On a Kali Linux penetration testing system with direct Docker access, this is a reversible but impactful modification.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs hosts_add safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Zebbern Kali MCP, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For hosts_add, this is the rule to start with:

hosts_add Rate-limited

hosts_add stays usable, but capped: an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "hosts_add": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "hosts_add_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Zebbern Kali MCP, apply this rule, and every hosts_add call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about hosts_add

What does the hosts_add tool do? +

hosts_add is a write tool on the Zebbern Kali MCP server. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Zebbern Kali MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on hosts_add? +

Register the Zebbern Kali MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for hosts_add: 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 Zebbern Kali MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is hosts_add? +

hosts_add is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit hosts_add? +

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

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

hosts_add is provided by the Zebbern Kali MCP server (zebbern/zebbern-kali-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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