ssh-test · Python MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What ssh-test does on Python

AI agents invoke ssh-test to trigger actions in Python. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why ssh-test needs a policy

SSH connectivity testing involves initiating network connections to remote hosts, which constitutes executing an external operation. An AI agent could misuse this to probe arbitrary hosts, perform reconnaissance, or attempt connections to sensitive infrastructure.

From the tool's definition Tests SSH connectivity to a remote host

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

ssh-test Rate-limited

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.

View as policy code

policy.json

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

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Python, so you can run agents against it safely.

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 Python 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 Python 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 Python. 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 Python MCP server (Dave-London/Pare). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

// THE FULL RECORD

ssh-test is one line of Python's registry record.

The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.

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