MCP CLI: return HTTP URL for file downloads instead of gRPC
Author: alongirCreated Apr 24, 2026Updated Apr 24, 2026
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Description
When the MCP CLI is asked to download files (e.g. PCAP exports), there are currently two download methods: HTTP and gRPC. The gRPC method constantly fails, making downloads unreliable.
The fix is to consolidate on a single download method — HTTP. When a download is requested via MCP, the CLI should return the HTTP download URL to the caller rather than attempting a gRPC-based transfer.
Current behavior
- MCP CLI offers both HTTP and gRPC download paths
- gRPC downloads constantly fail
- Users have to work around the gRPC failures manually
Expected behavior
- MCP CLI returns the HTTP download URL when a file download is requested
- Remove or deprecate the gRPC download path
- Single, reliable download method
Why Is This Needed?
File downloads (especially PCAPs) are a core MCP workflow. The gRPC method is unreliable and adds unnecessary complexity. Consolidating on HTTP simplifies the code and gives users a consistently working download experience.
Source: kubeshark/kubeshark