GhidrAssistMCP

GhidrAssistMCP

A powerful Ghidra extension that provides an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server, enabling AI assistants and other tools to interact with Ghidra's reverse engineering capabilities through a standardized API.

Overview

GhidrAssistMCP bridges the gap between AI-powered analysis tools and Ghidra's comprehensive reverse engineering platform. By implementing the Model Context Protocol, this extension allows external AI assistants, automated analysis tools, and custom scripts to seamlessly interact with Ghidra's analysis capabilities.

Key Features

• MCP Server Integration: Full Model Context Protocol server implementation using official SDK
• Dual HTTP Transports: Supports SSE and Streamable HTTP transports for maximum client compatibility
• 34 Built-in Tools: Comprehensive set of analysis tools with action-based consolidation for cleaner APIs
• 5 MCP Resources: Static data resources for program info, functions, strings, imports, and exports
• 5 MCP Prompts: Pre-built analysis prompts for common reverse engineering tasks
• Result Caching: Intelligent caching system to improve performance for repeated queries
• Async Task Support: Long-running operations execute asynchronously with task management
• Multi-Program Support: Work with multiple open programs simultaneously using program_name parameter
• Multi-Window Support: Single MCP server shared across all CodeBrowser windows with intelligent focus tracking
• Active Context Awareness: Automatic detection of which binary window is in focus, with context hints in all tool responses
• Configurable UI: Easy-to-use interface for managing tools and monitoring activity
• Real-time Logging: Track all MCP requests and responses with detailed logging
• Dynamic Tool Management: Enable/disable tools individually with persistent settings

Clients

Shameless self-promotion: GhidrAssist supports GhidrAssistMCP right out of the box.

Screenshots

Installation

Prerequisites

• Ghidra 11.4+ (tested with Ghidra 12.0 Public)
• An MCP Client (Like GhidrAssist)

Binary Release (Recommended)

1. Download the latest release:

   • Go to the Releases page
   • Download the latest .zip file (e.g., GhidrAssistMCP-v1.0.0.zip)

2. Install the extension:

   • In Ghidra: File → Install Extensions → Add Extension
   • Select the downloaded ZIP file
   • Restart Ghidra when prompted

3. Enable the plugin:

   • File → Configure → Configure Plugins
   • Search for "GhidrAssistMCP"
   • Check the box to enable the plugin

Building from Source

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone <repository-url>
   cd GhidrAssistMCP
   

2. Point Gradle at your Ghidra install:

   • Set GHIDRA_INSTALL_DIR (environment variable), or pass -PGHIDRA_INSTALL_DIR=<path> when you run Gradle.

3. Build + install:

   Ensure Ghidra isn't running and run:

   gradle installExtension
   

   This copies the built ZIP into your Ghidra install ([GHIDRA_INSTALL_DIR]/Extensions/Ghidra) and extracts it into your Ghidra user Extensions folder (replacing any existing extracted copy).

   If you need to override that location, pass -PGHIDRA_USER_EXTENSIONS_DIR=<path>.

4. Restart / verify:

   • Restart Ghidra.
   • If the plugin doesn't appear, enable it via File → Configure → Configure Plugins (search for "GhidrAssistMCP").

Configuration

Initial Setup

1. Open the Control Panel:

   • Window → GhidrAssistMCP (or use the toolbar icon)

2. Configure Server Settings:

   • Host: Default is localhost
   • Port: Default is 8080
   • Enable/Disable: Toggle the MCP server on/off

Tool Management

The Configuration tab allows you to:

• View all available tools (34 total)
• Enable/disable individual tools using checkboxes
• Save configuration to persist across sessions
• Monitor tool status in real-time

Available Tools

GhidrAssistMCP provides 34 tools organized into categories. Several tools use an action-based API pattern where a single tool provides multiple related operations.

Program & Data Listing

Function & Code Analysis

Consolidated Tools

These tools bundle related operations behind a discriminator parameter (e.g., action, target, target_type, or format).

get_code - Code Retrieval Tool

class - Class Operations Tool

xrefs - Cross-Reference Tool

struct - Structure Operations Tool

rename_symbol - Symbol Renaming Tool

set_comment - Comment Tool

bookmarks - Bookmark Management Tool

Type & Prototype Tools

Search Tools

Async Task Management

Long-running operations (decompilation, structure analysis, field xrefs) execute asynchronously:

MCP Resources

GhidrAssistMCP exposes 5 static resources that can be read by MCP clients:

MCP Prompts

Pre-built prompts for common analysis tasks:

Usage Examples

Basic Program Information

{
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "get_program_info"
  }
}

List Functions with Pattern Filtering

{
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "list_functions",
    "arguments": {
      "pattern": "init",
      "case_sensitive": false,
      "limit": 50
    }
  }
}

Decompile Function (get_code)

{
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "get_code",
    "arguments": {
      "function": "main",
      "format": "decompiler"
    }
  }
}

Get Class Information (Action-Based)

{
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "class",
    "arguments": {
      "action": "get_info",
      "class_name": "MyClass"
    }
  }
}

Search Classes (Action-Based)

{
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "class",
    "arguments": {
      "action": "list",
      "pattern": "Socket",
      "case_sensitive": false
    }
  }
}

Auto-Create Structure (Action-Based)

{
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "struct",
    "arguments": {
      "action": "auto_create",
      "function_identifier": "0x00401000",
      "variable_name": "ctx"
    }
  }
}

Find Struct Field Cross-References (Action-Based)

{
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "struct",
    "arguments": {
      "action": "field_xrefs",
      "structure_name": "Host",
      "field_name": "port"
    }
  }
}

Delete a Data Type

If multiple types share the same name across categories, pass category (or pass a full path in name starting with /).

{
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "delete_data_type",
    "arguments": {
      "name": "MyStruct",
      "category": "/mytypes"
    }
  }
}

Rename Function (Action-Based)

{
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "rename_symbol",
    "arguments": {
      "action": "function",
      "address": "0x00401000",
      "new_name": "decrypt_buffer"
    }
  }
}

Multi-Program Support

When working with multiple open programs, first list them:

{
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "list_programs"
  }
}

Then specify which program to target using program_name:

{
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "list_functions",
    "arguments": {
      "program_name": "target_binary.exe",
      "limit": 10
    }
  }
}

Multi-Window Support & Active Context Awareness

GhidrAssistMCP uses a singleton architecture that enables seamless operation across multiple CodeBrowser windows:

How It Works

1. Single Shared Server: One MCP server (port 8080) serves all CodeBrowser windows
2. Focus Tracking: Automatically detects which CodeBrowser window is currently active
3. Context Hints: All tool responses include context information to help AI understand which binary is in focus

Context Information in Responses

Every tool response includes a context header:

[Context] Operating on: malware.exe | Active window: malware.exe

<tool response content>

or when targeting a different program:

[Context] Operating on: lib.so | Active window: main.exe | Total open programs: 3

<tool response content>

Benefits for AI Assistants

• Smart Defaults: When no program_name is specified, tools automatically use the program from the active window
• Context Awareness: AI knows which binary the user is currently viewing
• Prevents Confusion: Clear indication when operating on a different binary than what's in the active window
• Multi-tasking: Work with multiple binaries without constantly specifying which one to target

Architecture

Core Components

GhidrAssistMCP/
├── GhidrAssistMCPManager     # Singleton coordinator for multi-window support
│   ├── Tracks all CodeBrowser windows
│   ├── Manages focus tracking
│   └── Owns shared server and backend
├── GhidrAssistMCPPlugin      # Plugin instance (one per CodeBrowser window)
│   └── Registers with singleton manager
├── GhidrAssistMCPServer      # HTTP MCP server (SSE + Streamable)
│   └── Single shared instance on port 8080
├── GhidrAssistMCPBackend     # Tool management and execution
│   ├── Tool registry with enable/disable states
│   ├── Result caching system
│   ├── Async task management
│   └── Resource and prompt registries
├── GhidrAssistMCPProvider    # UI component provider
│   └── First registered instance provides UI
├── cache/                    # Caching infrastructure
│   ├── McpCache.java
│   └── CacheEntry.java
├── tasks/                    # Async task management
│   ├── McpTaskManager.java
│   └── McpTask.java
├── resources/                # MCP Resources (5 total)
│   ├── ProgramInfoResource.java
│   ├── FunctionListResource.java
│   ├── StringsResource.java
│   ├── ImportsResource.java
│   └── ExportsResource.java
├── prompts/                  # MCP Prompts (5 total)
│   ├── AnalyzeFunctionPrompt.java
│   ├── IdentifyVulnerabilityPrompt.java
│   ├── DocumentFunctionPrompt.java
│   ├── TraceDataFlowPrompt.java
│   └── TraceNetworkDataPrompt.java
└── tools/                    # MCP Tools (34 total)
    ├── Consolidated action-based tools
    ├── Analysis tools
    ├── Modification tools
    └── Navigation tools

Tool Design Patterns

Consolidated Tools: Related operations are consolidated into single tools with a discriminator parameter:

• get_code: format: decompiler|disassembly|pcode
• class: action: list|get_info
• struct: action: create|modify|auto_create|rename_field|field_xrefs
• rename_symbol: target_type: function|data|variable
• set_comment: target: function|address
• bookmarks: action: list|add|delete

Tool Interface Methods:

• isReadOnly(): Indicates if tool modifies program state
• isLongRunning(): Triggers async execution with task management
• isCacheable(): Enables result caching for repeated queries
• isDestructive(): Marks potentially dangerous operations
• isIdempotent(): Indicates if repeated calls produce same result

MCP Protocol Implementation

• Transports:
  • HTTP with Server-Sent Events (SSE)
  • Streamable HTTP
• Endpoints:
  • GET /sse - SSE connection for bidirectional communication
  • POST /message - Message exchange endpoint
  • GET /mcp - Receive Streamable HTTP events
  • POST /mcp - Initialize Streamable HTTP session
  • DELETE /mcp - Terminate Streamable HTTP session
• Capabilities: Tools, Resources, Prompts

Development

Project Structure

src/main/java/ghidrassistmcp/
├── GhidrAssistMCPPlugin.java      # Main plugin class
├── GhidrAssistMCPManager.java     # Singleton coordinator
├── GhidrAssistMCPProvider.java    # UI provider with tabs
├── GhidrAssistMCPServer.java      # MCP server implementation
├── GhidrAssistMCPBackend.java     # Backend tool/resource/prompt management
├── McpBackend.java                # Backend interface
├── McpTool.java                   # Tool interface
├── McpEventListener.java          # Event notification interface
├── cache/                         # Caching system
├── tasks/                         # Async task system
├── resources/                     # MCP resources
├── prompts/                       # MCP prompts
└── tools/                         # Tool implementations (34 files)

Adding New Tools

1. Implement McpTool interface:

   public class MyCustomTool implements McpTool {
       @Override
       public String getName() { return "my_custom_tool"; }
   
       @Override
       public String getDescription() { return "Description"; }
   
       @Override
       public boolean isReadOnly() { return true; }
   
       @Override
       public boolean isLongRunning() { return false; }
   
       @Override
       public boolean isCacheable() { return true; }
   
       @Override
       public McpSchema.JsonSchema getInputSchema() { /* ... */ }
   
       @Override
       public McpSchema.CallToolResult execute(Map<String, Object> arguments, Program program) {
           // Implementation
       }
   }
   

2. Register in backend:

   // In GhidrAssistMCPBackend constructor
   registerTool(new MyCustomTool());
   

Build Commands

# Clean build
gradle clean

# Build extension zip (written to dist/)
gradle buildExtension

# Install (extract) extension into the Ghidra user Extensions directory
gradle installExtension

# Uninstall (delete extracted directory from the Ghidra user Extensions directory)
gradle uninstallExtension

# Build/install with specific Ghidra path (required if GHIDRA_INSTALL_DIR isn't set)
gradle -PGHIDRA_INSTALL_DIR=/path/to/ghidra installExtension

# Debug build
gradle buildExtension --debug

Dependencies

• MCP SDK: io.modelcontextprotocol.sdk:mcp:0.17.1
• Jetty Server: 11.0.20 (HTTP/SSE transport)
• Jackson: 2.18.3 (JSON processing)
• Ghidra API: Bundled with Ghidra installation

Logging

UI Logging

The Log tab provides real-time monitoring:

• Session Events: Server start/stop, program changes
• Tool Requests: REQ: tool_name {parameters...}
• Tool Responses: RES: tool_name {response...}
• Error Messages: Failed operations and diagnostics
• Cache Hits: When cached results are returned

Console Logging

Detailed logging in Ghidra's console:

• Tool registration and initialization
• MCP server lifecycle events
• Async task execution and completion
• Cache statistics
• Database transaction operations
• Error stack traces and debugging information

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Server Won't Start

• Check if port 8080 is available
• Verify Ghidra installation path
• Examine console logs for errors

Tools Not Appearing

• Ensure plugin is enabled
• Check Configuration tab for tool status
• Verify backend initialization in logs

MCP Client Connection Issues

• Confirm server is running (check GhidrAssistMCP window)
• Test connection: curl http://localhost:8080/sse
• Check firewall settings

Tool Execution Failures

• Verify program is loaded in Ghidra
• Check tool parameters are correct
• Review error messages in Log tab

Async Task Issues

• Use get_task_status to check task state
• Use list_tasks to see all tasks
• Use cancel_task if a task is stuck

Debug Mode

Enable debug logging by adding to Ghidra startup:

-Dlog4j.logger.ghidrassistmcp=DEBUG

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch: git checkout -b feature-name
3. Make your changes with proper tests
4. Follow code style: Use existing patterns and conventions
5. Submit a pull request with detailed description

Code Standards

• Java 21+ features where appropriate
• Proper exception handling with meaningful messages
• Transaction safety for all database operations
• Thread safety for UI operations
• Comprehensive documentation for public APIs
• Action-based consolidation for related tool operations

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgments

• NSA/Ghidra Team for the excellent reverse engineering platform
• Anthropic for the Model Context Protocol specification

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Questions or Issues?

Please open an issue on the project repository for bug reports, feature requests, or questions about usage and development.