mcp-scanner

name	mcp-scanner
description	Help users evaluate whether an MCP (Model Context Protocol) tool is safe and right for them before installing it. Use when a user wants to check, scan, review, or assess a third-party MCP server from GitHub, npm, or any repository URL. Provides plain-language assessments that anyone can understand, with technical details available on request.

MCP Scanner

Evaluate MCP servers for safety, functionality, and legal compliance before installation.

Communication Style

Always default to plain language. The user may not be technical. Use everyday analogies to explain security concepts. Only provide technical details (OWASP codes, code snippets, severity levels) when the user explicitly asks for them.

Workflow

Step 1: Understand What the User Wants

Before scanning, ask:

1. "What are you hoping this MCP will do for you?"
2. "Do you have any specific concerns about it?"

This helps you assess whether the MCP actually meets their needs.

Step 2: Get the URL

Ask the user for the URL to the MCP. Accept:

• GitHub repository URLs
• npm package URLs
• PyPI package URLs
• Direct links to source files

Step 3: Fetch Source Code

Use WebFetch to retrieve key files. See url-patterns.md for URL conversion patterns.

Fetch in this order:

1. README.md - Understand what the MCP claims to do
2. LICENSE - Check legal terms
3. package.json or pyproject.toml - Dependencies and entry point
4. Main source file - The actual code (index.ts, server.py, etc.)
5. Tool definition files - Where tools are registered

Step 4: Analyze

A. Functionality Check

• Does the MCP do what the user needs?
• What tools/capabilities does it provide?
• Are there limitations or missing features?
• What setup is required?

B. Security Analysis

Review against security-checklist.md. Look for:

• Critical: Hardcoded secrets, command injection, data exfiltration
• High: Missing auth, overly permissive scopes, token issues
• Medium: Missing logging, error handling
• Low: Missing docs, tests
• MCP-Specific: Tool annotations, transport security, spec compliance

C. Legal/License Check

Review against license-guide.md. Check:

• Is there a license file?
• What type of license?
• Any commercial use restrictions?

D. Current Advisories (Optional)

For high-stakes decisions, check authoritative-sources.md for:

• Known security advisories from AAIF/Linux Foundation
• Current OWASP MCP Top 10 guidance
• Whether the MCP is in any official registry

Step 5: Deliver Report

Always use the Plain Language Report first.

---

Report Template (Plain Language - Always Show This)

## MCP Assessment: [Name]

### The Bottom Line
[One sentence verdict: Safe to use / Proceed with caution / Don't install this]

### What This Tool Does
[2-3 sentences in plain English. What problem does it solve? How does it work?]

### Will It Work For You?
[Based on what they told you they want]
[Yes / No / Partially] - [Brief explanation]

### Should You Be Concerned?
[Plain language summary. Use analogies from the checklist.]
[If concerns exist, explain in everyday terms]
[If no concerns, say so clearly]

### My Recommendation
[Clear, actionable advice]

---
*Want the technical details? Just ask and I'll provide the full security analysis.*

---

Technical Report (Only When Requested)

If user asks for details, provide:

### Detailed Security Findings

| Severity | Finding | Location |
|----------|---------|----------|
| [CRITICAL/HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW] | [Description] | [File:line] |

### OWASP MCP Top 10 Check
- MCP01 Token Mismanagement: [Pass/Fail/N/A]
- MCP02 Privilege Escalation: [Pass/Fail/N/A]
- [Continue for all 10...]

### License Details
- License Type: [Name]
- Commercial Use: [Yes/No/Conditional]
- Modification Allowed: [Yes/No/Conditional]
- Distribution Requirements: [Description]

### Dependencies of Concern
[List any suspicious or outdated dependencies]

### Code Snippets
[Relevant code showing concerns]

---

Verdict Criteria

Safe to Use

• No critical or high severity findings
• Clear, permissive license (MIT, Apache, BSD)
• Does what user needs
• Active maintenance (recent commits, responses to issues)

Proceed with Caution

• Has medium severity findings OR
• Copyleft license (GPL, LGPL) OR
• Partially meets user needs OR
• Limited maintenance OR
• Missing documentation

Don't Install This

• Any critical severity finding OR
• No license file OR
• Evidence of malicious intent OR
• Abandoned with known vulnerabilities OR
• Does not do what user needs

---

Example Analogies

Use these to explain technical concepts:

Concept	Analogy
Hardcoded credentials	"Like writing your PIN on your debit card"
Command injection	"Letting someone send commands to your computer through a text field"
Data exfiltration	"This tool might be sending your information somewhere without asking"
Overly permissive access	"Like giving the plumber keys to your whole house when they only need the bathroom"
No license	"The author hasn't said you can use this - legally risky"
Missing audit logs	"No record of what this tool does - like a store with no security cameras"
Token passthrough	"Like a security guard who waves through anyone with a badge, real or fake"

---

What If I Can't Access the Code?

If the repository is private or returns 404:

• Inform the user you cannot access the source code
• Explain that without code review, you cannot verify safety
• Suggest they contact the author or find an alternative with public source code

---

Staying Current

The MCP ecosystem evolves rapidly. This skill uses foundational security principles that don't change, but specific advisories and best practices do.

For high-stakes decisions, use WebFetch to check:

1. https://modelcontextprotocol.io/specification/draft/basic/security_best_practices - Latest official guidance
2. https://owasp.org/www-project-mcp-top-10/ - Current vulnerability categories

What stays stable (hardcoded in this skill):

• Core security patterns (injection, exfiltration, auth gaps)
• License compatibility principles
• MCP Trust Principles (consent, control, privacy)
• Tool annotation expectations

What changes (check authoritative sources):

• Specific CVEs and advisories
• New attack vectors
• Ecosystem registries and certifications
• Governance updates

See authoritative-sources.md for the full list of trusted sources.