MCP Shield
📇 🏠 🍎 🪟 🐧 - Security scanner for MCP servers. Detects backdoors, exfiltration code, obfuscation,
What is MCP Shield?
MCP Shield is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to 📇 🏠 🍎 🪟 🐧 - security scanner for mcp servers. detects backdoors, exfiltration code, obfuscation,
📇 🏠 🍎 🪟 🐧 - Security scanner for MCP servers. Detects backdoors, exfiltration code, obfuscation,
This server falls under the Security category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- MCP protocol support
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx mcp-shieldConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use MCP Shield
MCP Shield is a security scanner that protects your AI agent setup by analyzing MCP servers before you install or run them. It detects backdoors, exfiltration code, obfuscation techniques, hidden prompt injections, and supply-chain risks embedded in npm MCP packages or local server directories. Developers and security-conscious teams use it to vet third-party MCP servers and catch malicious patterns that could compromise their Claude or other LLM workflows.
Prerequisites
- Node.js 16 or later installed
- An MCP client such as Claude Desktop or the Claude CLI
- npx available on your PATH (comes with Node.js)
- Internet access to check npm package trust scores and CVE data
Install MCP Shield via npx
Run MCP Shield directly with npx — no global install required. The command launches the MCP server process that your client will connect to.
npx mcp-shieldAdd MCP Shield to your Claude CLI
Register the server with the Claude CLI so it is always available as a tool when you open a session.
claude mcp add mcp-shield -- npx mcp-shieldConfigure in Claude Desktop
Add the server block to your Claude Desktop configuration file at ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) or the equivalent path on Windows/Linux.
{
"mcpServers": {
"mcp-shield": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["mcp-shield"]
}
}
}Scan an npm MCP package before installing
Ask your AI assistant to run the scan_package tool against any npm package you are considering. MCP Shield downloads and analyzes the package code for malicious patterns.
Scan a locally cloned MCP server
Use scan_directory to inspect a MCP server repository you have already cloned. Provide the absolute path to the directory.
Audit your installed MCP servers
Ask the assistant to audit all currently configured MCP servers. MCP Shield runs check_prompt_injection on tool descriptions and audit_supply_chain for trust score and CVE data.
MCP Shield Examples
Client configuration
Claude Desktop config block to enable MCP Shield.
{
"mcpServers": {
"mcp-shield": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["mcp-shield"]
}
}
}Prompts to try
Example queries you can ask once MCP Shield is connected.
- "Scan the npm package 'xyz-mcp-server' before I install it"
- "Scan the MCP server I cloned at ~/projects/some-mcp"
- "Check this tool description for prompt injection: <paste text>"
- "What's the trust score for 'popular-mcp-tool' on npm?"
- "Audit all the MCP servers I have installed"Troubleshooting MCP Shield
npx mcp-shield fails with 'command not found' or network error
Ensure Node.js 16+ is installed and npx is on your PATH. Run 'node --version' to verify. If behind a proxy, set the HTTPS_PROXY environment variable before running npx.
Scan results show false positives on legitimate packages
Review the specific patterns flagged in the scan output. MCP Shield heuristics may trigger on obfuscated but benign minified code. Cross-check the package source on GitHub before dismissing a warning.
audit_supply_chain returns no CVE data
MCP Shield relies on npm registry metadata and external CVE feeds. Ensure you have internet connectivity and that the package name is spelled correctly. Brand-new packages may have no historical data yet.
Frequently Asked Questions about MCP Shield
What is MCP Shield?
MCP Shield is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that 📇 🏠 🍎 🪟 🐧 - security scanner for mcp servers. detects backdoors, exfiltration code, obfuscation, It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install MCP Shield?
Follow the installation instructions on the MCP Shield GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with MCP Shield?
MCP Shield works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is MCP Shield free to use?
Yes, MCP Shield is open source and available under the MIT License license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Quick Config Preview
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