scp_copy

THE RISK

Medium Risk

Why scp_copy needs a policy

The scp_copy tool performs file transfer operations that result in file creation or modification on the destination system (either local or remote). This is a Write operation—reversible but consequential. It is not Destructive because it does not delete or overwrite existing files (SCP typically fails if destination exists). It is not Execute because the tool itself does not run arbitrary commands—it transfers files.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Copy a single file between local and remote server via SFTP', indicating file creation/modification on either local or remote system.

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

POLICY

How to control scp_copy

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

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "scp_copy": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "scp_copy_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

scp_copy stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

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

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More SSH MCP Server tools

Destructive remove_credential Remove a stored SSH credential Execute ssh_exec Execute command over SSH using stored credentials Execute ssh_exec_raw Execute command over SSH with array arguments that are safely quoted for the remote shell Execute ssh_session_end End an interactive SSH session Execute ssh_session_start Start an interactive SSH session with PTY (for vim, htop, etc) Execute ssh_tunnel_start Start an SSH tunnel for port forwarding Execute ssh_tunnel_stop Stop an SSH tunnel Execute rsync_copy Copy files/directories between local and remote server via rsync (best for directories or

All 15 SSH MCP Server tools →

Write tools on other servers

M-Team MCP Server download_torrent YouTube MCP Server generate_video_title Android Forensics ADB MCP Server combine_reports 0xarchive web3_signup

Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Argument validation → Checking tool call arguments against schema and policy before they run.
Scoped token → Per-person credentials that grant a defined subset of servers and tools.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about scp_copy

What does the scp_copy tool do? +

Copy a single file between local and remote server via SFTP (simpler than rsync for single files). It is categorised as a Write tool in the SSH MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on scp_copy? +

Register the SSH MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for scp_copy: 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 SSH MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is scp_copy? +

scp_copy is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit scp_copy? +

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

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

scp_copy is provided by the SSH MCP Server MCP server (kinothe-kafkaesque/ssh-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every SSH MCP Server tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →