start_virus_scan

THE RISK

High Risk

Why start_virus_scan needs a policy

This tool triggers execution of a virus scanner on server directories. While not destructive or financial, it runs an external operation (ClamAV) whose effects depend on the directory argument and scan results. The scan could identify security issues, impact system performance, or generate resource-intensive operations.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'start_virus_scan' and description 'Start a ClamAV virus scan on a directory' indicate execution of an external scanning operation (ClamAV) triggered by the tool.

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

POLICY

How to control start_virus_scan

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 start_virus_scan:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "start_virus_scan": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start_virus_scan_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

start_virus_scan stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times 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.

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

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All 164 cPanel MCP Server tools →

Execute tools on other servers

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Go deeper

High-risk tools in cPanel MCP Server → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Agent sandbox → Bounding what an agent can execute and where the boundary should sit.
Least privilege for MCP → Granting agents the minimum tool surface the task needs.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about start_virus_scan

What does the start_virus_scan tool do? +

Start a ClamAV virus scan on a directory (requires ClamAV plugin on server). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the cPanel MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on start_virus_scan? +

Register the cPanel MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for start_virus_scan: 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 start_virus_scan? +

start_virus_scan is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit start_virus_scan? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the start_virus_scan 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 start_virus_scan completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for start_virus_scan. 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 start_virus_scan? +

start_virus_scan 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.

CHECK YOUR STACK →