Pentest

You can run and orchestrate a professional penetration-testing MCP server that supports modern transport options, bearer-based authentication, and a suite of integrated reconnaissance and exploitation tools. This MCP server streamlines running tests, collecting engagement data, and generating client reports while providing flexible deployment options for local or networked use.

How to use

You use a client that connects to an MCP server to run security tests, enumerate targets, probe services, capture traffic, and generate structured engagement records. Start with a local, stdio-based setup for quick testing, or run over the network by enabling the HTTP transport. You can also launch the bundled Inspector to assist with debugging and targeted probing, all from the same MCP instance.

How to install

Prerequisites: You need Node.js installed on your machine. Use a modern, supported version of Node as required by the MCP server. You may also want a containerized setup via Docker for isolation.

npm install -g pentest-mcp

# Run locally with stdio transport
pentest-mcp

# Launch bundled Inspector (no separate install)
pentest-mcp inspector

# Run over the network using HTTP transport
MCP_TRANSPORT=http MCP_SERVER_HOST=0.0.0.0 MCP_SERVER_PORT=8000 pentest-mcp

# Legacy SSE mode (deprecated)
MCP_TRANSPORT=sse MCP_SERVER_PORT=8001 pentest-mcp

Configuration and usage notes

Network transport options are provided through environment variables. The HTTP transport is the modern choice, while SSE remains for compatibility and is deprecated. If you enable HTTP, you can also configure OIDC-based bearer authentication for secured access.

Inspector integration is built in. To use it, run the inspector alongside the MCP server and the inspector will target your MCP server over stdio.

Security and access control

Enable bearer authentication with OIDC to control access. Configure issuer URLs, JWKS endpoints, introspection, and client credentials as shown in the environment variable examples.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter connectivity issues, verify that MCP_TRANSPORT is set correctly for the desired transport, and ensure the server port is not blocked by a firewall. Check logs for any authentication or network transport errors.

Available tools

nmapScan

Scan target networks for open ports and discover services using nmap.

runJohnTheRipper

Perform password cracking against captured hashes or targeted credentials.

runHashcat

Accelerated password cracking using Hashcat on captured data.

gobuster

Content discovery and directory brute-forcing against web targets.

nikto

Web server vulnerability scanner to identify common issues.

subfinderEnum

Passive subdomain enumeration to discover assets.

httpxProbe

Probe live hosts to determine status, title, and other metadata.

ffufScan

Fuzz web content and paths to discover hidden resources.

nucleiScan

Template-based vulnerability scanning against targets.

trafficCapture

Capture and analyze network traffic for inspection.

hydraBruteforce

Brute-force authentication against targeted services.

privEscAudit

Privilege escalation audit for target systems.

extractionSweep

SQL/parameter extraction sweep to identify data leakage.

generateWordlist

Create targeted wordlists for testing scopes.

listEngagementRecords

List stored engagement records for quick access.

getEngagementRecord

Retrieve a specific engagement record by ID.

createClientReport

Generate client reports with scope-of-work and templates.

cancelScan

Cancel an ongoing or scheduled test.