Security · MCP server
MCP ZAP Server: MCP server, setup and security
MCP ZAP Server is an open-source MCP server published on GitHub that lets an AI agent run guided OWASP ZAP security scans and generate findings reports. Its repository has 67 stars and its last commit is from October 23, 2026 and it is licensed under Apache-2.0.
| Adoption (stars) | 18/40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | 30/30 | |
| Framework (licence, registry, official) | 20/30 |
What MCP ZAP Server does
According to its repository: “Self-hosted OWASP ZAP integration with guided security scans, findings summaries and report generation.”
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standard plug between an AI agent and an outside service: once the server is connected, its tools show up in the agent, which decides when to call them. MCP ZAP Server is listed under Security, a category of 133 servers in the directory, where it ranks #40 by stars.
Topics declared by the repository: java, spring-ai, spring-boot, zap, owasp, security.
Installing and connecting MCP ZAP Server
Distribution modes declared in the official MCP registry:
- Docker (OCI) image
It works with any MCP-compatible client (Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code, Codex and most recent agents). You add one entry to the client's MCP configuration: server name, start command or URL, environment variables. Project language: Java.
The registry lists 4 secret variables to provide (API key, access token). Keep them in the client's environment variables, never in a shared file or a repository.
Security: what to check
Connecting an MCP server means installing software that talks straight to your agent: it runs with your rights and the model trusts its tool descriptions. The risk therefore depends on what it can touch and how far its code can be trusted.
Points found for MCP ZAP Server:
- Secrets: the server acts with your credentials. Create a dedicated key with minimum rights and an expiry date.
Good practice: grant only the rights needed (least privilege), require human approval for irreversible actions, and run the AI agent security check.
Project activity and maintenance
Created on April 20, 2025, the dtkmn/mcp-zap-server repository has 67 stars and 11 forks, with 23 open issues. It has more stars than 58% of the servers in the directory. It received changes this month. Version published in the registry: 0.17.1 (October 22, 2026).
Stars measure attention, not quality: a recent, heavily promoted project can collect them fast, while a useful but niche server will have few.
Verdict
MCP ZAP Server is a reasonable choice; check the points below before connecting it.
Strengths
- Active project: recent commit
- Listed in the official MCP registry
- Permissive licence (Apache-2.0)
Limitations
- Requires an API key or token
Avoid if…
- You do not want to give credentials to an agent
Alternatives
- Semgrep17.2K ★
- World Monitor89.4K ★
- SafeDep Vet MCP1.1K ★
- Ida pro MCP13.1K ★
- GhidraMCP (LaurieWired)11.5K ★
- DashClaw313 ★
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
How do I install MCP ZAP Server?
MCP ZAP Server is distributed as Docker (OCI) image. Add it to your client's MCP configuration (Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code…) following the README of dtkmn/mcp-zap-server.
Is MCP ZAP Server free?
The code is published under the Apache-2.0 licence and can be used free of charge. It needs an API key: the service it connects to may be paid.
Is MCP ZAP Server safe?
Points to watch: secrets. Give it minimum rights and approve sensitive actions.
Is it an official server?
Nothing says so: it is a project published by dtkmn on GitHub. Check who maintains it before giving it access.
What are the alternatives to MCP ZAP Server?
In the same category: Semgrep, World Monitor, SafeDep Vet MCP, and Ida pro MCP. Semgrep and World Monitor score higher on our grid.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score