Model Context Protocol enables powerful AI integrations, but introduces significant security risks. Here's what developers need to know.
Check if your app has vulnerabilities from AI-generated code.
Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standard created by Anthropic for connecting AI assistants to external tools. MCP servers run on your machine and give AI assistants like Cursor access to databases, APIs, file systems, and other resources. This power is what makes MCP useful - and also what makes it risky.
MCP servers can execute arbitrary code on your machine with user-level privileges. This is by design - it's how MCP provides powerful functionality. However, malicious servers can abuse this to compromise your system.
Only install MCP servers from trusted sources. Review server code before installation.
Malicious content in files or external data can inject prompts that manipulate MCP server behavior. Attackers can craft inputs that cause MCP servers to execute unintended actions.
Be cautious with MCP servers that process untrusted content. Validate inputs before processing.
MCP servers have network access and can send data to external servers. Malicious or compromised servers could exfiltrate sensitive code, credentials, or personal information.
Monitor network activity from MCP processes. Use firewalls to restrict outbound connections.
MCP server dependencies may be compromised. A popular MCP server could be updated with malicious code, affecting all users who update.
Pin MCP server versions. Review changelogs before updating. Use servers from reputable maintainers.
MCP servers run with the same permissions as your IDE. If your IDE runs with elevated permissions or has access to sensitive resources, MCP servers inherit that access.
Run IDEs with minimal permissions. Use containerization for sensitive development work.
Prompt injection through Slack messages could trigger arbitrary code execution via Cursor MCP
Malicious MCP server configuration could persist and spread across team environments
| Tool | MCP Support | Security Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cursor | Native MCP support | MCP servers can access all workspace files and execute terminal commands |
| Claude Desktop | Native MCP support | MCP servers run with user permissions, can access configured resources |
| VS Code (with extensions) | Via extensions | Various extensions add MCP-like capabilities with varying security models |
| Custom MCP clients | Varies | Security depends on implementation - some may have fewer restrictions |
Building with MCP-enabled tools? Our scanner checks for vulnerabilities commonly introduced by AI-generated code.
Scan Your App FreeMCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standard for connecting AI assistants to external tools and data sources. It allows AI coding assistants like Cursor to interact with databases, APIs, and local tools through 'MCP servers' that run on your machine.
MCP is powerful by design - it's meant to let AI access tools and data. This power creates security risks if misused. The protocol itself isn't flawed, but its capabilities can be abused by malicious servers or through prompt injection.
You don't need to disable MCP entirely. Instead, only install MCP servers from trusted sources, review their code, and monitor their behavior. For sensitive work, consider using environments without MCP or with strict network restrictions.
Check the source: Is it from a reputable organization or developer? Review the code: Does it do what it claims? Check for issues: Are there reported vulnerabilities? When in doubt, don't install it.
MCP servers run with your user permissions, so they can access anything you can access. They're typically scoped to specific resources by configuration, but a malicious server could ignore these boundaries.