run_ssh_command

THE RISK

High Risk

Why run_ssh_command needs a policy

This tool runs commands on remote systems via SSH. Even though the description is empty, the name and server context make clear it executes arbitrary shell commands, which is an Execute-category capability. Severity is high because SSH command execution can compromise remote systems, exfiltrate data, or enable lateral movement—though the blast radius depends on target permissions and network exposure.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'run_ssh_command' indicates execution of arbitrary commands over SSH; server description confirms it enables 'autonomous execution' of penetration testing tools; sibling tools like 'execute_weevely_module' and 'generate_weevely_agent' establish this…

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access run_ssh_command gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control run_ssh_command

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Pentester-MCP, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for run_ssh_command:

policy.json

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

run_ssh_command 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.

Create a free account and register Pentester-MCP — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More Pentester-MCP tools

Execute dnscat_client dnscat_client Execute execute_weevely_module execute_weevely_module Execute identify_hash identify_hash Execute john_prepare john_prepare Execute launch_xsser_gui Launches the graphical user interface (GTK) for XSSer. Execute objection_explore objection_explore Execute run_403bypasser run_403bypasser Execute run_addcomputer run_addcomputer

All 337 Pentester-MCP tools →

Execute tools on other servers

Android Forensics ADB MCP Server adb_shell_command EMBA-MCP run_emba_scan Frida Game Hacking MCP remove_breakpoint Procmon request_elevation

Go deeper

Govern code and CI agents → Branch allowlists, approval on merges, and rate caps on the build and pipeline tools agents trigger.
High-risk tools in Pentester-MCP → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Agent sandbox → Bounding what an agent can execute and where the boundary should sit.
Least privilege for MCP → Granting agents the minimum tool surface the task needs.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →
PolicyLayer vs alternatives → How deterministic, per-call MCP policy compares with gateways, identity layers, and authorisation platforms.

FAQ

Questions about run_ssh_command

What does the run_ssh_command tool do? +

run_ssh_command. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Pentester-MCP MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on run_ssh_command? +

Register the Pentester- MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_ssh_command: 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 Pentester-MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is run_ssh_command? +

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

Can I rate-limit run_ssh_command? +

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

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

run_ssh_command is provided by the Pentester- MCP server (halilkirazkaya/pentester-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Pentester-MCP tool call.

Start from Pentester-MCP, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →