ssh_save_credential · MCP SSH Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What ssh_save_credential does on MCP SSH Server

AI agents use ssh_save_credential 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_save_credential needs a policy

This tool modifies the credential store by persisting SSH authentication material. It is a Write operation because it creates/stores credentials reversibly. Severity is high because compromised or maliciously stored credentials could enable unauthorized access to remote servers, and the tool directly handles sensitive authentication data.

From the tool's definition Tool saves SSH credentials for reuse, which creates and stores authentication material that can be accessed later.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

ssh_save_credential Rate-limited

ssh_save_credential 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_save_credential": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "ssh_save_credential_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 MCP SSH Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about ssh_save_credential

What does the ssh_save_credential tool do? +

Save SSH credentials for reuse. 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_save_credential? +

Register the MCP SSH Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for ssh_save_credential: 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_save_credential? +

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

Can I rate-limit ssh_save_credential? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the ssh_save_credential 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_save_credential completely? +

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

ssh_save_credential 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.