// MCP TOOL REFERENCE

press_key

Simulate keyboard input on the page

Can trigger shortcuts and actions

Part of the Chrome DevTools MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

@ChromeDevTools/chrome-devtools-mcp Execute Risk 4/5

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents invoke press_key to trigger processes or run actions in Chrome DevTools. Execute operations can have side effects beyond the immediate call -- triggering builds, sending notifications, or starting workflows. Rate limits and argument validation are essential to prevent runaway execution.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON PRESS_KEY

press_key can trigger processes with real-world consequences. An uncontrolled agent might start dozens of builds, send mass notifications, or kick off expensive compute jobs. Intercept enforces rate limits and validates arguments to keep execution within safe bounds.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.

chrome-devtools.yaml

tools:
  press_key:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 10
          window: 60
        validate:
          required_args: true

See the full Chrome DevTools policy for all 29 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name press_key

Category Execute

MCP Server Chrome DevTools MCP Server

Risk Level High

// MORE CHROME DEVTOOLS TOOLS

Destructive close_page Execute click Execute drag Execute emulate Execute evaluate_script Execute fill Execute fill_form Execute handle_dialog

View all 29 tools →

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

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

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

// OTHER EXECUTE TOOLS ACROSS MCP SERVERS

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

Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents commerce_preflight Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents execute_with_context Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents gateway_execute_approval Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents governance_360 Agent Passport System — Cryptographic Identity for AI Agents parse_governance_block_html AgentClear — API Marketplace for AI Agents call_service

// IN CONTEXT OF HIGH RISK

press_key is one of the high-risk operations in Chrome DevTools. For the full severity-focused view — only the high-risk tools with their recommended policies — see the breakdown for this server, or browse all high-risk tools across every MCP server.

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the press_key tool do? +

Simulate keyboard input on the page. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Chrome DevTools MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on press_key? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for press_key. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Chrome DevTools MCP server.

What risk level is press_key? +

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

Can I rate-limit press_key? +

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

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

press_key is provided by the Chrome DevTools MCP server (@ChromeDevTools/chrome-devtools-mcp). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

press_key

Enforce policies on Chrome DevTools