Assess MCP Server Risk

Use Case

Evaluate MCP servers before agents rely on them, then continuously monitor how they connect to tools, APIs, data, and enterprise systems. Combine MCP-specific risk intelligence with dependency mapping and zero-trust controls to determine which servers are suitable for approved workflows.

Challenges

MCP servers extend agent reach directly into enterprise tools and data. Their rapid adoption creates several recurring challenges:

• Unknown or poorly maintained servers enter workflows without review
• Vulnerabilities and risky dependencies remain difficult to assess
• Agent-to-tool paths can expose sensitive systems and data
• Manual server reviews cannot keep pace with ecosystem growth

Solution

PointGuard AI provides a comprehensive solution for discovering, assessing, and governing MCP server risk:

1. Discover MCP infrastructure. Use AI Discovery & Inventory and MCP Security Gateway to identify servers, tools, agents, endpoints, and interaction paths.

2. Evaluate security and trust. Apply MCP risk intelligence to assess vulnerabilities, provenance, operational controls, and adoption maturity.

3. Map agent dependencies. Determine which agents use each server, which tools they invoke, and which sensitive resources are involved.

4. Enforce risk-based access. Use MCP Security Gateway to restrict, approve, or monitor server and tool access based on risk and business context.

This creates a scalable process for selecting trusted MCP integrations and governing their use over time.

Risks Addressed

Applicable framework risks and controls include:

OWASP Top 10 for LLMs

• LLM01:2026 Prompt Injection
• LLM02:2026 Sensitive Information Disclosure
• LLM04:2026 Supply Chain
• LLM10:2026 Improper Output Handling

OWASP Top 10 for Agentic Applications

• ASI01: Agent Goal Hijack
• ASI02: Tool Misuse and Exploitation
• ASI03: Identity and Privilege Abuse
• ASI04: Agentic Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
• ASI05: Unexpected Code Execution (RCE)
• ASI07: Insecure Inter-Agent Communication

NIST AI Risk Management Framework

• GOVERN 6.1: Policies and procedures address AI risks associated with third-party entities
• MAP 5.1: Likelihood and magnitude of identified impacts are documented
• MEASURE 2.7: AI system security and resilience are evaluated and documented
• MANAGE 1.1: Determine whether deployment should proceed