Cyberchef MCP vs Semgrep
A side-by-side look at the Cyberchef MCP and Semgrep MCP servers: transport, auth, tools, quality signals, and the config to install either one in Claude, Cursor, Windsurf or VS Code.
Verdict: choose Cyberchef MCP for security work as a local process; choose Semgrep for security as a local process. You can also run both side by side in one mcpServers block.
Which MCP server should you choose?
Choose Cyberchef MCP when
- You need dedicated capabilities in the Security domain.
- You prefer a local stdio subprocess transport.
- You have the keys it needs:
CYBERCHEF_OFFLINE, CYBERCHEF_AUTH_ISSUER, CYBERCHEF_TENANT_CLAIM. - You want tools like
cyberchef_batch, cyberchef_telemetry_export, cyberchef_quota_info.
Choose Semgrep when
- You need dedicated capabilities in the Security domain.
- You prefer a local stdio subprocess transport.
- Its auth model fits you: No auth required.
Feature & specification comparison
Rows where the two servers differ are marked.
| Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Security | Security |
| Quality signal | 59/100 · Good | 48/100 · Fair |
| Install command | Confirmed | Confirmed |
| Transport | Local subprocess (stdio) | Local subprocess (stdio) |
| Auth | Not declared | No auth required |
| Pricing | Not declared | Free |
| Required env vars | CYBERCHEF_OFFLINECYBERCHEF_AUTH_ISSUERCYBERCHEF_TENANT_CLAIM | None listed |
| Verified owner | Community listing | Community listing |
| GitHub stars | 26 | 17,235 |
| Directory activity | 2 views 0 installs 0 upvotes | 1 views 0 installs 0 upvotes |
| Tools | 4 | Not listed |
| Full listing | View Cyberchef MCP | View Semgrep |
Tools & capabilities
Cyberchef MCP tools 4
cyberchef_batchExecute multiple operations in parallel or sequential modecyberchef_telemetry_exportPrivacy-first usage analytics (opt-in)cyberchef_quota_infoResource quota and usage trackingcyberchef_worker_statsMonitor worker pool utilization, active/completed tasks, and pool configuration
Semgrep tools
No tool names declared yet. Check the project README from the listing page.
Ready-to-paste client configs
Paste either block (or both) into your client config, e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json. We only show a config when the install command is confirmed.
Cyberchef MCP
{
"mcpServers": {
"cyberchef-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"cyberchef-mcp"
],
"env": {
"CYBERCHEF_OFFLINE": "YOUR_CYBERCHEF_OFFLINE_HERE",
"CYBERCHEF_AUTH_ISSUER": "YOUR_CYBERCHEF_AUTH_ISSUER_HERE",
"CYBERCHEF_TENANT_CLAIM": "YOUR_CYBERCHEF_TENANT_CLAIM_HERE"
}
}
}
}
Semgrep
{
"mcpServers": {
"semgrep-semgrep": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"semgrep"
]
}
}
}
Frequently asked questions
Cyberchef MCP is categorized under Security and uses a local stdio subprocess. Semgrep belongs to Security and uses a local stdio subprocess. Pick Cyberchef MCP for security work and Semgrep for security.
Copy the mcpServers block from the config section on this page into your client's config (for example claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json), then fully restart the client.
Cyberchef MCP has no declared pricing — check the project's own site. Semgrep is listed as free. Auth: no auth required. If a server needs environment variables such as API keys, define them under the env key in your client's MCP config.
Yes. MCP clients support multiple servers: add cyberchef-mcp and semgrep-semgrep as separate keys in the same mcpServers object, and your assistant will call tools from either one.
On AllMCPs, Cyberchef MCP has a quality signal of 59/100 (Good) with 2 views, 0 installs and 26 GitHub stars. Semgrep has 48/100 (Fair) with 1 views, 0 installs and 17,235 GitHub stars.