start_server

Start a development server

SERVERCode MCP Server SOURCEagentics-ai/code-mcp

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/agentics-ai-code-mcp/start-server.md

WHAT IT DOES

What start_server does on Code MCP Server

AI agents invoke start_server to trigger actions in Code MCP 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 start_server is rated High

The tool executes a development server, which runs code/processes in the environment. While the operation itself may be reversible (stopping the server), the act of starting it triggers execution of potentially arbitrary code depending on project configuration. An AI agent misusing this could start malicious servers, expose ports, consume resources, or execute unintended processes.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'start_server' and description 'Start a development server' indicate execution of external processes/services.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs start_server safely

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

start_server Rate-limited

start_server 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": {
    "start_server": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start_server_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 Code MCP Server, apply this rule, and every start_server call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about start_server

What does the start_server tool do? +

Start a development server. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Code 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_server? +

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

What risk level is start_server? +

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

Can I rate-limit start_server? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the start_server 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_server completely? +

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

start_server is provided by the Code MCP Server MCP server (agentics-ai/code-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

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

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Guides

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