gdb_step · GDB MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What gdb_step does on GDB MCP Server

AI agents invoke gdb_step to trigger actions in GDB MCP Server. 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.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why gdb_step needs a policy

This tool executes program code in the debugger (GDB step instruction), which runs arbitrary code on the target system. It triggers execution whose effects depend on what code is being stepped through, fitting the Execute category. Severity is medium because while it only executes one step at a time, repeated misuse could drive the program into unintended states or trigger side effects on the embedded target.

From the tool's definition 执行一行代码。如果当前行包含函数调用，将进入该函数内部。 (Execute one line of code; if the current line contains a function call, step into the function)

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

gdb_step Rate-limited

gdb_step stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "gdb_step": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "gdb_step_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches GDB MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about gdb_step

What does the gdb_step tool do? +

执行一行代码。如果当前行包含函数调用，将进入该函数内部。. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the GDB MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on gdb_step? +

Register the GDB MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for gdb_step: 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 GDB MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is gdb_step? +

gdb_step is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit gdb_step? +

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

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

gdb_step is provided by the GDB MCP Server MCP server (zjm1060/gdb-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.