set_php_ini_directives

THE RISK

Medium Risk

Why set_php_ini_directives needs a policy

This tool modifies PHP configuration settings for a hosting account. While reversible (settings can be changed back), misconfigured PHP directives can have significant security and stability impacts — e.g., disabling safe limits, enabling dangerous functions, or allowing excessive resource usage. It is a Write operation with high severity due to potential for security misconfigurations.

From the tool's definition Set PHP INI directives (e.g., memory_limit, upload_max_filesize)

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access set_php_ini_directives gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control set_php_ini_directives

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and cPanel MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for set_php_ini_directives:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "set_php_ini_directives": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_php_ini_directives_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

set_php_ini_directives stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register cPanel MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

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EXPLORE

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Argument validation → Checking tool call arguments against schema and policy before they run.
Scoped token → Per-person credentials that grant a defined subset of servers and tools.
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FAQ

Questions about set_php_ini_directives

What does the set_php_ini_directives tool do? +

Set PHP INI directives (e.g., memory_limit, upload_max_filesize). It is categorised as a Write tool in the cPanel MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on set_php_ini_directives? +

Register the cPanel MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_php_ini_directives: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches cPanel MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_php_ini_directives? +

set_php_ini_directives is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit set_php_ini_directives? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the set_php_ini_directives rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block set_php_ini_directives completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for set_php_ini_directives. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides set_php_ini_directives? +

set_php_ini_directives is provided by the cPanel MCP Server MCP server (0xhayd3n/cpanel-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every cPanel MCP Server tool call.

Start from cPanel MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

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