Reversecore MCP vs Shodan

A side-by-side look at the Reversecore MCP and Shodan MCP servers: transport, auth, tools, quality signals, and the config to install either one in Claude, Cursor, Windsurf or VS Code.

Reversecore MCP logoReversecore MCPSecurity · Local subprocess (stdio)Security-first MCP server for reverse engineering, malware analysis, forensics, and SAST.63GoodAuth: not declaredShodan logoShodanSecurity · Local subprocess (stdio)MCP server for Shodan API — device search, IP lookup, DNS, and CVE/CPE queries.68GreatAuth: not declared

Verdict: choose Reversecore MCP for security work as a local process; choose Shodan for security as a local process. You can also run both side by side in one mcpServers block.

Which MCP server should you choose?

Reversecore MCP logoChoose Reversecore MCP when

  • You need dedicated capabilities in the Security domain.
  • You prefer a local stdio subprocess transport.
  • You want tools like audit_source_code, run_file, copy_to_workspace.
Explore Reversecore MCP

Shodan logoChoose Shodan when

  • You need dedicated capabilities in the Security domain.
  • You prefer a local stdio subprocess transport.
  • You have the keys it needs: SHODAN_API_KEY.
  • You want tools like ip_lookup, shodan_search, cve_lookup.
Explore Shodan

Feature & specification comparison

Rows where the two servers differ are marked.

SpecReversecore MCP logoReversecore MCPShodan logoShodan
CategorySecuritySecurity
Quality signal63/100 · Good68/100 · Great
Install commandConfirmedConfirmed
TransportLocal subprocess (stdio)Local subprocess (stdio)
AuthNot declaredNot declared
PricingNot declaredNot declared
Required env varsNone listedSHODAN_API_KEY
Verified ownerCommunity listingCommunity listing
GitHub stars211178
Directory activity 2 views 0 installs 0 upvotes 1 views 0 installs 0 upvotes
Tools11411

Tools & capabilities

Reversecore MCP tools 114

  • audit_source_codePerform a security audit on a source code file (SAST). This tool analyzes source code (C, C++, Python, Go, etc.) to identify potential security vulnerabilities such as buffer overflows, injection flaws, and weak cryptography. It provides a structured breakdown of dangerous patterns found in the code to guide deeper manual or AI-driven analysis. Use this tool when you have access to original source code or when you want to analyze decompiled output exported to a file.
  • run_fileIdentify file metadata using the ``file`` CLI utility.
  • copy_to_workspaceCopy any accessible file to the workspace directory. This tool allows copying files from any location (including AI agent upload directories) to the workspace where other reverse engineering tools can access them. Supports files from: - Claude Desktop uploads (/mnt/user-data/uploads) - Cursor uploads - Windsurf uploads - Local file paths - Any other accessible location
  • create_directoryCreate a new sub-directory within the workspace. This tool allows AI agents to dynamically create isolated sub-workspaces for different tasks or sessions.
  • list_workspaceList all files in the workspace directory. Returns: ToolResult with list of files in workspace
  • scan_workspaceBatch scan all files in the workspace using multiple tools in parallel. This tool performs a comprehensive scan of the workspace to identify files, analyze binaries, and detect threats. It runs 'run_file', 'parse_binary_with_lief', and 'run_yara' (if rules exist) on all matching files concurrently. **Workflow:** 1. Identify files matching patterns (default: all files) 2. Run 'file' command on all files 3. Run 'LIEF' analysis on executable files 4. Run 'YARA' scan if rules are available 5. Aggregate results into a single report
  • explain_patchAnalyze differences between two binaries and explain changes in natural language. This tool combines binary diffing with decompilation to help understand security patches. It identifies changed functions, decompiles them, and uses heuristics to explain the nature of the changes (e.g., "Added bounds check", "Replaced unsafe API").
  • assemble_instructionsAssemble assembly instruction strings into raw machine byte values using Keystone.
  • create_memory_sessionCreate a new memory session to store memories. Use this when starting a new reverse engineering analysis. The session name should be descriptive and follow a template format like 'malware_analysis_2024_001' or 'game_cheat_detection'.
  • save_memory_itemSave important information to long-term memory. Use this to remember: - Function addresses and their purposes - Vulnerability patterns discovered - API call sequences - User instructions and preferences - Interesting strings or structures
  • recall_memory_itemSearch and recall memories from past analyses. Use this when you need to remember something from earlier, or when the user asks about previous findings.
  • list_memory_sessionsList all analysis sessions with timestamps and status. Use this to see what analyses have been done before, or to find a session to resume.
  • +102 more on the listing page

Shodan tools 11

  • ip_lookupRetrieve comprehensive information about an IP address, including geolocation, operating system, open ports, running services (product, version, CPE), known vulnerabilities (CVEs), SSL certificates, hostnames, and cloud provider details if available. Returns service banners and HTTP server information when present. Optional history returns historical banners; minify omits banners.
  • shodan_searchSearch Shodan's database of internet-connected devices. Returns detailed information about matching devices including services, vulnerabilities, and geographic distribution. Supports advanced search filters and returns facet statistics (default: by country). Costs 1 query credit when the query uses filters, plus 1 per page beyond the first. Use shodan_count (free) to get totals and facets without results.
  • cve_lookupQuery detailed vulnerability information from Shodan's CVEDB. Returns comprehensive CVE details including CVSS scores (v4/v3/v2), EPSS probability and ranking, KEV status, proposed mitigations, ransomware associations, and affected products (CPEs).
  • dns_lookupResolve domain names to IP addresses using Shodan's DNS service. Supports batch resolution of multiple hostnames in a single query. Returns IP addresses mapped to their corresponding hostnames.
  • reverse_dns_lookupPerform reverse DNS lookups to find hostnames associated with IP addresses. Supports batch lookups of multiple IP addresses in a single query. Returns all known hostnames for each IP address, with clear indication when no hostnames are found.
  • cpe_lookupSearch for Common Platform Enumeration (CPE) entries by product name in Shodan's CVEDB. Supports pagination and can return either full CPE details or just the total count. Useful for identifying specific versions and configurations of software and hardware.
  • cves_by_productSearch for vulnerabilities affecting specific products or CPEs. Supports filtering by KEV status, sorting by EPSS score, date ranges, and pagination. Can search by product name or CPE 2.3 identifier. Returns detailed vulnerability information including severity scores and impact assessments.
  • shodan_countGet the total number of Shodan results for a query, with optional facet breakdowns (e.g. by country, org, port). Free: does not consume query credits. Use search_filters to list valid filters and facets.
  • domain_infoGet subdomains and DNS records for a domain from Shodan. Costs 1 query credit per lookup.
  • api_infoShow the Shodan API plan, remaining query and scan credits, monitored IPs, and usage limits for the configured API key. Free: does not consume credits.
  • search_filtersList the search filters and facets Shodan supports. Use this to build valid shodan_search and shodan_count queries and facets. Free: does not consume credits.

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.

Reversecore MCP

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "reversecore-mcp": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "reversecore-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Shodan

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shodan-2": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@burtthecoder/mcp-shodan"
      ],
      "env": {
        "SHODAN_API_KEY": "YOUR_SHODAN_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Frequently asked questions

Reversecore MCP is categorized under Security and uses a local stdio subprocess. Shodan belongs to Security and uses a local stdio subprocess. Pick Reversecore MCP for security work and Shodan 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.

Reversecore MCP has no declared pricing — check the project's own site. Shodan has no declared pricing — check the project's own site. 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 reversecore-mcp and shodan-2 as separate keys in the same mcpServers object, and your assistant will call tools from either one.

On AllMCPs, Reversecore MCP has a quality signal of 63/100 (Good) with 2 views, 0 installs and 211 GitHub stars. Shodan has 68/100 (Great) with 1 views, 0 installs and 178 GitHub stars.