Get the current working directory for a connection
AI agents call ssh_get_working_directory to retrieve information from MCP SSH Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves the current working directory path from an active SSH connection. It is a non-destructive query operation with no side effects—it does not create, modify, delete, or execute anything. The blast radius of misuse is minimal, as an attacker can only learn what directory the SSH session is currently in, which provides no leverage for further compromise on its own.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'ssh_get_working_directory' and description 'Get the current working directory for a connection' indicate a query operation that retrieves directory information without modifying any state.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Get the current working directory for a connection. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP SSH Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MCP SSH Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for ssh_get_working_directory: 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.
ssh_get_working_directory is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the ssh_get_working_directory 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for ssh_get_working_directory. 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.
ssh_get_working_directory 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.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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