pt_send_raw · MCP Packet Tracer MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What pt_send_raw does on MCP Packet Tracer

AI agents invoke pt_send_raw to trigger actions in MCP Packet Tracer. 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 pt_send_raw needs a policy

On a Cisco Packet Tracer server designed to send IOS commands to network devices, a 'send_raw' tool almost certainly executes arbitrary raw commands against network devices. This falls under Execute (potentially Destructive) as it could run any IOS command including those that delete configs or disrupt network topology.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'pt_send_raw' on a server that 'configure devices with IOS commands' and 'control network topologies'. The 'raw' suffix strongly implies sending arbitrary/unfiltered commands.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

pt_send_raw Rate-limited

pt_send_raw 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": {
    "pt_send_raw": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "pt_send_raw_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 Packet Tracer, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about pt_send_raw

What does the pt_send_raw tool do? +

pt_send_raw. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the MCP Packet Tracer MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on pt_send_raw? +

Register the MCP Packet Tracer MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for pt_send_raw: 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 Packet Tracer. Nothing to install.

What risk level is pt_send_raw? +

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

Can I rate-limit pt_send_raw? +

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

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

pt_send_raw is provided by the MCP Packet Tracer MCP server (mainorcruz/mcp_packet_tracer). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.