run_playbook

Execute Ansible playbook

SERVERNcp SOURCE@portel/ncp

High RISK CLASS

Category Execute

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-portel-dev-ncp/run-playbook.md

WHAT IT DOES

What run_playbook does on Ncp

AI agents invoke run_playbook to trigger actions in Ncp. 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.

RISK

Why run_playbook is rated High

This tool executes Ansible playbooks, which are structured automation scripts that can run shell commands, modify files, restart services, and perform wide-ranging infrastructure operations. The effects depend entirely on playbook contents, making this an Execute category tool.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'run_playbook' with description 'Execute Ansible playbook' directly indicates execution of external automation code. Ansible playbooks can run arbitrary commands, modify system configuration, and trigger operations across infrastructure.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs run_playbook safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Ncp, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For run_playbook, this is the rule to start with:

run_playbook Rate-limited

run_playbook 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": {
    "run_playbook": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "run_playbook_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Ncp, apply this rule, and every run_playbook call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about run_playbook

What does the run_playbook tool do? +

Execute Ansible playbook. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Ncp 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_playbook? +

Register the Ncp MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run_playbook: 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 Ncp. Nothing to install.

What risk level is run_playbook? +

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

Can I rate-limit run_playbook? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run_playbook 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_playbook completely? +

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

run_playbook is provided by the Ncp MCP server (@portel/ncp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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