browser_close · Playwright MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What browser_close does on Playwright MCP

AI agents invoke browser_close to trigger actions in Playwright MCP. 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 browser_close needs a policy

Closing a browser page is an Execute-category action: it triggers an external operation (terminating a browser page) whose effects depend on current context. While it doesn't delete stored data, it irreversibly ends the session/page state, potentially losing unsaved work. It ranks above Write because it triggers an external browser operation rather than just modifying data.

From the tool's definition 'Close the page' — terminates the browser page/session, an external browser operation with irreversible side effects on the current session state

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

browser_close Rate-limited

browser_close 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": {
    "browser_close": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "browser_close_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 Playwright MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about browser_close

What does the browser_close tool do? +

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

How do I enforce a policy on browser_close? +

Register the Playwright MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for browser_close: 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 Playwright MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is browser_close? +

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

Can I rate-limit browser_close? +

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

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

browser_close is provided by the Playwright MCP server (markbustamante77/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.