pikvm_key · PiKVM MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What pikvm_key does on PiKVM MCP Server

AI agents invoke pikvm_key to trigger actions in PiKVM MCP Server. 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 pikvm_key needs a policy

This tool sends keyboard input to a physical machine via PiKVM. Keystrokes can trigger arbitrary actions on the remote system — launching applications, executing commands, modifying files, or even destructive operations — depending on what keys are sent. The blast radius is high because an AI agent could use this to type commands into a terminal or interact with any running application on the physical machine.

From the tool's definition "Send a key or key combination to the remote machine" with "full keyboard, mouse, and screen control of a physical machine"

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

pikvm_key Rate-limited

pikvm_key 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": {
    "pikvm_key": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "pikvm_key_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 PiKVM MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about pikvm_key

What does the pikvm_key tool do? +

Send a key or key combination to the remote machine. Use JavaScript key codes (e.g., KeyA, Enter, ControlLeft). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the PiKVM MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on pikvm_key? +

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

What risk level is pikvm_key? +

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

Can I rate-limit pikvm_key? +

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

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

pikvm_key is provided by the PiKVM MCP Server MCP server (kultivatorconsulting/pikvm_mcp_server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.