Skip to main content
Glama

htb_spawn_machine

Spawn a Hack The Box machine or Starting Point VM by providing its machine ID. This enables instant access to target environments for penetration testing.

Instructions

Spawn a machine or Starting Point VM by id.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
machine_idYes
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are present, and the description fails to disclose any behavioral traits such as whether spawning is destructive, requires authorization, or returns a result. This is a significant gap.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness3/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is very concise (one sentence), which is positive, but it sacrifices completeness. It lacks structure such as bullet points or examples.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the single required parameter, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is incomplete. It does not explain the result of spawning, prerequisites, or error conditions, leaving the agent underinformed.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters2/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema coverage is 0% (no description for machine_id), and the tool description only says 'by id', adding no meaning beyond the parameter name. The agent does not learn how to find or format the machine_id.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the verb 'Spawn' and the resource 'a machine or Starting Point VM by id', which distinguishes it from sibling tools like htb_stop_machine or htb_machine_info. However, it could be more specific about what 'Spawn' entails.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It does not specify any context, prerequisites, or exclusions, leaving the agent without direction for proper invocation.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/AeonDave/htb-app-mcp'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server