ssh_check

Check SSH server connectivity and retrieve the server banner (SSH version string, e.g. 'SSH-2.0-OpenSSH_8.9'). Does not attempt authentication.

SERVERMcp Nettools SOURCEaaronckj/mcp-nettools

Low RISK CLASS

Category Read

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Allowedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/aaronckj-mcp-nettools/ssh-check.md

WHAT IT DOES

What ssh_check does on Mcp Nettools

AI agents call ssh_check to retrieve information from Mcp Nettools without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

RISK

Why ssh_check is rated Low

This tool queries remote SSH servers for version information and connectivity status. It performs passive reconnaissance—retrieving banner data is a read operation with no ability to modify, delete, execute code, or affect financial systems. The explicit statement that it 'does not attempt authentication' confirms no write or execute capabilities.

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states it 'Check[s] SSH server connectivity and retrieve[s] the server banner' and 'Does not attempt authentication.' The banner is metadata/informational data without side effects.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs ssh_check safely

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

ssh_check Allowed

ssh_check is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "ssh_check": {}
  }
}

ALLOW ONLY THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Mcp Nettools, apply this rule, and every ssh_check call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about ssh_check

What does the ssh_check tool do? +

Check SSH server connectivity and retrieve the server banner (SSH version string, e.g. 'SSH-2.0-OpenSSH_8.9'). Does not attempt authentication. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Mcp Nettools MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on ssh_check? +

Register the Mcp Nettools MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for ssh_check: 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 Mcp Nettools. Nothing to install.

What risk level is ssh_check? +

ssh_check is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit ssh_check? +

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

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

ssh_check is provided by the Mcp Nettools MCP server (aaronckj/mcp-nettools). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

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