What is GhidraMCP

ghidraMCP is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server designed to enable large language models (LLMs) to perform reverse engineering tasks on applications autonomously. It provides access to various core Ghidra functionalities, allowing for in-depth analysis of binaries.

Use cases

ghidraMCP can be utilized for reverse engineering tasks such as decompiling and analyzing binaries, automatically renaming methods and data, and listing various elements like methods, classes, imports, and exports. It enables automated interactions between LLMs and Ghidra functionalities.

How to use

To use ghidraMCP, first install Ghidra and the required MCP SDK. Download the latest release of ghidraMCP, then install the Ghidra plugin through the Ghidra interface. After configuring the server settings, connect with various MCP clients such as Claude, Cline, or 5ire to leverage its capabilities.

Key features

Key features of ghidraMCP include its ability to decompile and analyze binaries, automate renaming of methods and data, and provide comprehensive listings of methods, classes, imports, and exports. It integrates seamlessly with Ghidra via a plugin, enhancing the reverse engineering process.

Where to use

ghidraMCP is suitable for cybersecurity researchers, software developers, and analysts working in reverse engineering and malware analysis. It can be used in environments where automated analysis of software applications is required, especially when integrating LLMs to facilitate the understanding of complex binaries.

ghidraMCP

ghidraMCP is an Model Context Protocol server for allowing LLMs to autonomously reverse engineer applications. It exposes numerous tools from core Ghidra functionality to MCP clients.

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/36080514-f227-44bd-af84-78e29ee1d7f9

Features

MCP Server + Ghidra Plugin

• Decompile and analyze binaries in Ghidra
• Automatically rename methods and data
• List methods, classes, imports, and exports

Installation

Prerequisites

• Install Ghidra
• Python3
• MCP SDK

Ghidra

First, download the latest release from this repository. This contains the Ghidra plugin and Python MCP client. Then, you can directly import the plugin into Ghidra.

1. Run Ghidra
2. Select File -> Install Extensions
3. Click the + button
4. Select the GhidraMCP-1-2.zip (or your chosen version) from the downloaded release
5. Restart Ghidra
6. Make sure the GhidraMCPPlugin is enabled in File -> Configure -> Developer
7. Optional: Configure the port in Ghidra with Edit -> Tool Options -> GhidraMCP HTTP Server

Video Installation Guide:

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/75f0c176-6da1-48dc-ad96-c182eb4648c3

MCP Clients

Theoretically, any MCP client should work with ghidraMCP. Three examples are given below.

Example 1: Claude Desktop

To set up Claude Desktop as a Ghidra MCP client, go to Claude -> Settings -> Developer -> Edit Config -> claude_desktop_config.json and add the following:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ghidra": {
      "command": "python",
      "args": [
        "/ABSOLUTE_PATH_TO/bridge_mcp_ghidra.py",
        "--ghidra-server",
        "http://127.0.0.1:8080/"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Alternatively, edit this file directly:

/Users/YOUR_USER/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

The server IP and port are configurable and should be set to point to the target Ghidra instance. If not set, both will default to localhost:8080.

Example 2: Cline

To use GhidraMCP with Cline, this requires manually running the MCP server as well. First run the following command:

python bridge_mcp_ghidra.py --transport sse --mcp-host 127.0.0.1 --mcp-port 8081 --ghidra-server http://127.0.0.1:8080/

The only required argument is the transport. If all other arguments are unspecified, they will default to the above. Once the MCP server is running, open up Cline and select MCP Servers at the top.

Then select Remote Servers and add the following, ensuring that the url matches the MCP host and port:

1. Server Name: GhidraMCP
2. Server URL: http://127.0.0.1:8081/sse

Example 3: 5ire

Another MCP client that supports multiple models on the backend is 5ire. To set up GhidraMCP, open 5ire and go to Tools -> New and set the following configurations:

1. Tool Key: ghidra
2. Name: GhidraMCP
3. Command: python /ABSOLUTE_PATH_TO/bridge_mcp_ghidra.py

Building from Source

1. Copy the following files from your Ghidra directory to this project’s lib/ directory:

• Ghidra/Features/Base/lib/Base.jar
• Ghidra/Features/Decompiler/lib/Decompiler.jar
• Ghidra/Framework/Docking/lib/Docking.jar
• Ghidra/Framework/Generic/lib/Generic.jar
• Ghidra/Framework/Project/lib/Project.jar
• Ghidra/Framework/SoftwareModeling/lib/SoftwareModeling.jar
• Ghidra/Framework/Utility/lib/Utility.jar
• Ghidra/Framework/Gui/lib/Gui.jar

2. Build with Maven by running:

mvn clean package assembly:single

The generated zip file includes the built Ghidra plugin and its resources. These files are required for Ghidra to recognize the new extension.

• lib/GhidraMCP.jar
• extensions.properties
• Module.manifest