whm_restart_service · ItchWHM MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What whm_restart_service does on ItchWHMMCP

AI agents invoke whm_restart_service to trigger actions in ItchWHMMCP. 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 whm_restart_service needs a policy

Restarting services is an execute action because it triggers external system operations with real-world consequences. While not destructive (reversible by restarting again), it can cause service downtime, interrupt active connections, and disrupt server operations. An AI agent misusing this tool could restart critical services like MySQL or Apache without authorization, causing significant operational impact.

From the tool's definition The tool description explicitly states it will "Restart a specific service" on the WHM server, which is a trigger of external operations (apache, mysql, exim restart commands) whose effects depend on the service argument provided.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

whm_restart_service Rate-limited

whm_restart_service 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": {
    "whm_restart_service": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "whm_restart_service_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 ItchWHMMCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about whm_restart_service

What does the whm_restart_service tool do? +

Restart a specific service on the WHM server (apache, mysql, exim, etc.). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the ItchWHMMCP MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on whm_restart_service? +

Register the ItchWHM MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for whm_restart_service: 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 ItchWHMMCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is whm_restart_service? +

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

Can I rate-limit whm_restart_service? +

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

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

whm_restart_service is provided by the ItchWHM MCP server (manofsadness/itchwhmmcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.