mcp_install

Install a new MCP server. Use package+command+args for direct package installation (e.g., npm packages), or just name for registry-based installation

SERVER1MCP Server SOURCE1mcp-app/agent

High RISK CLASS

Category Execute

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/1mcp-app-agent/mcp-install.md

WHAT IT DOES

What mcp_install does on 1MCP Server

AI agents invoke mcp_install to trigger actions in 1MCP Server. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call: builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

RISK

Why mcp_install is rated High

Installing a package executes installation scripts and potentially arbitrary code from the package, and adds a new MCP server to the aggregation layer. This goes beyond a simple write operation as it triggers execution of package manager commands and install scripts, potentially altering system state significantly.

From the tool's definition "Install a new MCP server" and "direct package installation (e.g., npm packages)"

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs mcp_install safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and 1MCP Server, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For mcp_install, this is the rule to start with:

mcp_install Rate-limited

mcp_install 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.

View as policy code

policy.json

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

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect 1MCP Server, apply this rule, and every mcp_install call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about mcp_install

What does the mcp_install tool do? +

Install a new MCP server. Use package+command+args for direct package installation (e.g., npm packages), or just name for registry-based installation. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the 1MCP 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 mcp_install? +

Register the 1MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for mcp_install: 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 1MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is mcp_install? +

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

Can I rate-limit mcp_install? +

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

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

mcp_install is provided by the 1MCP Server MCP server (1mcp-app/agent). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

More on 1MCP Server, and thousands of servers like it.

This server

All 17 1MCP Server tools → High-risk tools on this server →

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All high-risk MCP tools → The MCP Attack Database →

Guides

Govern code and CI agents →Agent sandbox →Least privilege for MCP →