NMAP

NMAP is an MCP server that enables AI assistants to execute network scanning operations directly through the Model Context Protocol. It connects standard AI models to local installations of the NMAP network mapper utility via the Windows command line. Security engineers, network administrators, and penetration testers use this server to interactively discover hosts, evaluate open network ports, and audit infrastructure services during natural language conversations. By exposing the run_nmap_scan function, the server allows clients like Claude Desktop to initiate quick scans, perform comprehensive port enumerations, inspect service version signatures, and apply custom timing templates. It translates user queries into standard NMAP command-line executions, capturing the raw scan output and returning structured network intelligence directly to the AI model. This setup allows security practitioners to investigate network boundaries, detect misconfigurations, and analyze network visibility without needing to leave their development or chat environments.

Category: Cloud & Infrastructure

Tags: network-scanning, nmap, penetration-testing, security auditing, vulnerability assessment

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How to install and configure NMAP

1. Ensure Windows, Node.js (v18 or higher), and NMAP are installed and available in your command line path. 2. Install the package globally with npm install -g mcp-nmap-server or locally with npm install mcp-nmap-server. 3. Alternatively, install automatically for Claude Desktop using Smithery: npx -y @smithery/cli install mcp-nmap-server --client claude. 4. To configure Claude Desktop manually, open C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Claude\config.json. 5. Add the server entry under mcpServers pointing to your build: json { "mcpServers": { "nmap": { "command": "node", "args": ["C:\\Users\\YOUR_USERNAME\\Downloads\\mcp-nmap-server\\dist\\index.js"] } } } 6. Adjust the path to match your installation and restart Claude Desktop.

What you can do with NMAP

• Scanning local or remote target hosts for exposed ports by instructing the AI assistant with specific IP or hostname inputs. - Performing service version detection across designated network ranges to discover outdated or vulnerable software versions running on open ports. - Running quick diagnostic scans on localhost to verify local firewall rules and service listener configurations during development. - Conducting structured security assessments by passing custom timing templates and additional command-line flags through conversational AI prompts.

Key facts

• Open Source
• https://github.com/PhialsBasement/nmap-mcp-server
• Cloud & Infrastructure, Security & Compliance
• network-scanning, nmap, penetration-testing, security auditing, vulnerability assessment

Part of MCP Servers

What is the NMAP MCP Server?

The NMAP MCP Server is an open-source tool that exposes the native NMAP command-line utility to AI assistants using the Model Context Protocol. It allows AI models to run network scans and security audits.

What are the prerequisites for running this server?

You need a Windows operating system, Node.js version 18 or higher, and the NMAP utility installed and accessible via the Windows command line. TypeScript is required if you are modifying or developing the server.

How do I install the NMAP MCP Server?

You can install it automatically for Claude Desktop using the Smithery CLI with npx -y @smithery/cli install mcp-nmap-server --client claude. Alternatively, install it using npm install -g mcp-nmap-server and register the executable in your client config.

What parameters does the scan tool accept?

The run_nmap_scan function accepts a target host or network, an optional ports string such as 80,443 or 1-1000, a scanType parameter set to quick, full, or version, a timing template from 0 to 5, and optional additional NMAP flags.

Is the NMAP MCP Server open source?

Yes, the project is open source and licensed under the MIT License. The complete source code is hosted on GitHub at PhialsBasement/nmap-mcp-server.