state_machine_function

Tool for invoking a specific AWS Step Functions state machine with parameters.

Single-target operation

Part of the AWS Step Functions Tool MCP Server MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

awslabs.stepfunctions-tool-mcp-server Other

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents call state_machine_function to perform operations in AWS Step Functions Tool MCP Server. While the risk category is not fully classified, applying a rate limit gives you visibility into how often the tool is called and prevents unexpected bursts of activity from autonomous agents.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON STATE_MACHINE_FUNCTION

Applying a policy to state_machine_function gives you an audit trail of every call an AI agent makes. Even for low-risk tools, visibility into agent behaviour helps you debug issues, optimise workflows, and maintain compliance with your organisation's security requirements.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

Apply a rate limit to control usage and monitor for unexpected behaviour.

aws-step-functions-tool-mcp-server.yaml

tools:
  state_machine_function:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 60
          window: 60

See the full AWS Step Functions Tool MCP Server policy for all 1 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name state_machine_function

Category Other

MCP Server AWS Step Functions Tool MCP Server MCP Server

Risk Level Low

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

Agents calling other-class tools like state_machine_function have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

// OTHER OTHER TOOLS ACROSS MCP SERVERS

Other tools in the Other risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, validate) apply to each.

Adjust Reporting Server adjust-reporting Clear Thought Server collaborativereasoning Clear Thought Server decisionframework Clear Thought Server designpattern Clear Thought Server mentalmodel Clear Thought Server metacognitivemonitoring

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the state_machine_function tool do? +

Tool for invoking a specific AWS Step Functions state machine with parameters.. It is categorised as a Other tool in the AWS Step Functions Tool MCP Server MCP Server, which means it performs auxiliary operations.

How do I enforce a policy on state_machine_function? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for state_machine_function. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the AWS Step Functions Tool MCP Server MCP server.

What risk level is state_machine_function? +

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

Can I rate-limit state_machine_function? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the state_machine_function rule in your Intercept 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 state_machine_function completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for state_machine_function. 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 state_machine_function? +

state_machine_function is provided by the AWS Step Functions Tool MCP Server MCP server (awslabs.stepfunctions-tool-mcp-server). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

state_machine_function

Let agents act without letting them run wild.