ssh_copy_file · MCP SSH Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What ssh_copy_file does on MCP SSH Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why ssh_copy_file needs a policy

File copy operations create or overwrite files on destination systems, making this a Write action rather than Read. The severity is high because unchecked file copying could overwrite critical system files, deploy malicious code, or expose sensitive data depending on what files an AI agent copies and where.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'ssh_copy_file' and description 'Copy files between local and remote servers or between remote servers' indicates file creation/modification operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

ssh_copy_file Rate-limited

ssh_copy_file 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": {
    "ssh_copy_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "ssh_copy_file_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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

FAQ

Questions about ssh_copy_file

What does the ssh_copy_file tool do? +

Copy files between local and remote servers or between remote servers. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP SSH Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on ssh_copy_file? +

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

What risk level is ssh_copy_file? +

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

Can I rate-limit ssh_copy_file? +

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

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

ssh_copy_file is provided by the MCP SSH Server MCP server (mahathirmuh/mcp-ssh-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.