ftp_connect · Ftp MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What ftp_connect does on Ftp

AI agents use ftp_connect to create or update resources in Ftp — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Ftp environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why ftp_connect needs a policy

An AI agent can call ftp_connect faster than any human can review — one bad instruction and it creates or modifies resources in Ftp by the hundred, each call as confident as the last.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

ftp_connect Rate-limited

ftp_connect 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.

View as policy code

policy.json

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

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Ftp, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about ftp_connect

What does the ftp_connect tool do? +

Establish or switch the active connection to a specific remote server profile defined in your .ftpconfig (e.g.,. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Ftp MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on ftp_connect? +

Register the Ftp MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for ftp_connect: 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 Ftp. Nothing to install.

What risk level is ftp_connect? +

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

Can I rate-limit ftp_connect? +

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

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

ftp_connect is provided by the Ftp MCP server (kynlos/ftp-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.