// MCP TOOL REFERENCE

vm_lifecycle

Manage VirtualMachine lifecycle: start, stop, or restart a VM

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

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents invoke vm_lifecycle to trigger processes or run actions in Kubernetes. 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 VM_LIFECYCLE

vm_lifecycle 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.

io-github-containers-kubernetes-mcp-server.yaml

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

See the full Kubernetes policy for all 37 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name vm_lifecycle

Category Execute

MCP Server Kubernetes MCP Server

Risk Level High

// MORE KUBERNETES TOOLS

Destructive helm_uninstall Destructive pods_delete Destructive resources_delete Execute pods_exec Execute pods_run Execute resources_scale Write helm_install Write kiali_manage_istio_config

View all 37 tools →

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

Agents calling execute-class tools like vm_lifecycle 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

vm_lifecycle is one of the high-risk operations in Kubernetes. 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 vm_lifecycle tool do? +

Manage VirtualMachine lifecycle: start, stop, or restart a VM. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Kubernetes MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on vm_lifecycle? +

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

What risk level is vm_lifecycle? +

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

Can I rate-limit vm_lifecycle? +

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

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

vm_lifecycle is provided by the Kubernetes MCP server (kubernetes-mcp-server). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

vm_lifecycle

Enforce policies on Kubernetes