ssh-test

THE RISK

High Risk

Why ssh-test needs a policy

Testing SSH connectivity requires actually establishing (or attempting) a network connection to a remote host, which is an external operation with side effects (network traffic, authentication attempts, potential shell access). This goes beyond a simple read and constitutes an Execute action. Misuse could involve probing unauthorized systems, triggering security alerts, or being used as a pivot point.

From the tool's definition ssh-test: 'Tests SSH connectivity to a remote host' — initiates an outbound SSH connection to an external system

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access ssh-test gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control ssh-test

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

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "ssh-test": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "ssh-test_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

ssh-test 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 Http — 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 Http tools

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All 202 Http tools →

Execute tools on other servers

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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 Http → 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 ssh-test

What does the ssh-test tool do? +

Tests SSH connectivity to a remote host using. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Http MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on ssh-test? +

Register the Http MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for ssh-test: 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 Http. Nothing to install.

What risk level is ssh-test? +

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

Can I rate-limit ssh-test? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the ssh-test 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 ssh-test completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for ssh-test. 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 ssh-test? +

ssh-test is provided by the Http MCP server (@paretools/http). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Http tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →