tv_set_volume · MCP Server Template MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What tv_set_volume does on MCP Server Template

AI agents invoke tv_set_volume to trigger actions in MCP Server Template. 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 tv_set_volume needs a policy

This tool controls a physical device (TV) via an external IoT platform (SmartThings). It is not a simple read or write of data, but rather executes an external operation with real-world effects. Misuse could disrupt users (e.g., blasting volume to 100), but blast radius is limited to audio disruption.

From the tool's definition 'Set the TV volume (0-100) via SmartThings' — triggers an external operation on a physical device through the SmartThings platform

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

tv_set_volume Rate-limited

tv_set_volume 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": {
    "tv_set_volume": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "tv_set_volume_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 MCP Server Template, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about tv_set_volume

What does the tv_set_volume tool do? +

Set the TV volume (0-100) via SmartThings. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the MCP Server Template MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on tv_set_volume? +

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

What risk level is tv_set_volume? +

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

Can I rate-limit tv_set_volume? +

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

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

tv_set_volume is provided by the MCP Server Template MCP server (kj14god/tvmcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.