tv_turn_off · MCP Server Template MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What tv_turn_off does on MCP Server Template

AI agents invoke tv_turn_off 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_turn_off needs a policy

This tool triggers an external physical operation (turning off a TV) via the SmartThings platform. It is an Execute-category action because it causes a real-world effect through an external system. While reversible (the TV can be turned back on), it is not a simple read or write of data — it executes a command that changes the state of a physical device.

From the tool's definition Turn off the TV via SmartThings

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

tv_turn_off Rate-limited

tv_turn_off 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_turn_off": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "tv_turn_off_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_turn_off

What does the tv_turn_off tool do? +

Turn off the TV 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_turn_off? +

Register the MCP Server Template MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for tv_turn_off: 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_turn_off? +

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

Can I rate-limit tv_turn_off? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the tv_turn_off 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_turn_off completely? +

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

tv_turn_off 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.