pikvm_shortcut · PiKVM MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What pikvm_shortcut does on PiKVM MCP Server

AI agents invoke pikvm_shortcut 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_shortcut needs a policy

This tool sends keyboard shortcuts to a physical machine via PiKVM, triggering real OS-level actions. Shortcuts like Ctrl+Alt+Delete can reboot systems, Ctrl+W can close applications, Alt+F4 can terminate programs, etc. These are external operations with real-world effects on a physical machine.

From the tool's definition Send a keyboard shortcut (multiple keys pressed simultaneously). Example: Ctrl+Alt+Delete

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

pikvm_shortcut Rate-limited

pikvm_shortcut 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_shortcut": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "pikvm_shortcut_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_shortcut

What does the pikvm_shortcut tool do? +

Send a keyboard shortcut (multiple keys pressed simultaneously). Example: Ctrl+Alt+Delete. 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_shortcut? +

Register the PiKVM MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for pikvm_shortcut: 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_shortcut? +

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

Can I rate-limit pikvm_shortcut? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the pikvm_shortcut 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_shortcut completely? +

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

pikvm_shortcut 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.