List all saved SSH credentials
AI agents call ssh_list_credentials 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.
While this tool only reads data (listing credentials), the severity is high because the returned credentials could include private keys, passwords, or other sensitive authentication material. Exposure of this information to an unauthorized AI agent could enable lateral movement or unauthorized access to remote systems.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'ssh_list_credentials' and description 'List all saved SSH credentials' indicate a read/retrieval operation with no modification or execution of code.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all saved SSH credentials. 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_list_credentials: 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_list_credentials 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_list_credentials 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_list_credentials. 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_list_credentials 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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