roku_deploy · Roku MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What roku_deploy does on Roku MCP Server

AI agents invoke roku_deploy to trigger actions in Roku MCP 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 roku_deploy needs a policy

Roku app deployment executes code on a physical device. While technically reversible through uninstallation, the act of deploying arbitrary application code to a device is a code execution operation with external effects dependent on what app is deployed. An AI agent with this capability could install malicious apps, access device resources, or compromise user privacy.

From the tool's definition Tool performs deployment/sideloading action to device via POST request to /plugin_install endpoint. Description states it 'zip[s] and upload[s] the channel' to the Roku device, which is an active operation that triggers device-side effects (app installation).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

roku_deploy Rate-limited

roku_deploy 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": {
    "roku_deploy": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "roku_deploy_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 Roku MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about roku_deploy

What does the roku_deploy tool do? +

Deploy (sideload) the Roku app to the device. Roku API: POST http://{host}/plugin_install (Basic Auth: rokudev:{password}) Uses roku-deploy npm to zip and upload the channel. Requires: Developer Mode enabled, device on same network. Ref: developer.roku.com/docs/developer-program/getting-started/developer-setup.md. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Roku MCP 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 roku_deploy? +

Register the Roku MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for roku_deploy: 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 Roku MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is roku_deploy? +

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

Can I rate-limit roku_deploy? +

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

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

roku_deploy is provided by the Roku MCP Server MCP server (maskelog/roku-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.