ssh_start_interactive_shell · MCP SSH Server MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What ssh_start_interactive_shell does on MCP SSH Server

AI agents invoke ssh_start_interactive_shell to trigger actions in MCP SSH Server. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why ssh_start_interactive_shell needs a policy

This tool grants the ability to execute arbitrary shell commands on remote systems through an interactive terminal session. Given the MCP SSH Server context enabling 'secure connections' to 'remote servers', misuse could result in unauthorized code execution, data theft, system compromise, or lateral movement. The 'PTY support for typing simulation' suggests full interactive control.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'ssh_start_interactive_shell' combined with description stating it enables 'interactive shell sessions' and 'PTY support for typing simulation' indicates the ability to execute arbitrary commands on remote servers.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

ssh_start_interactive_shell Rate-limited

ssh_start_interactive_shell stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times 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_start_interactive_shell": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "ssh_start_interactive_shell_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-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_start_interactive_shell

What does the ssh_start_interactive_shell tool do? +

Start an interactive shell session with PTY support for typing simulation. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the MCP SSH Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on ssh_start_interactive_shell? +

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

ssh_start_interactive_shell is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit ssh_start_interactive_shell? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the ssh_start_interactive_shell 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_start_interactive_shell completely? +

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

ssh_start_interactive_shell 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.