inject_sshKey · Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What inject_sshKey does on Cobalt Strike MCP Server

AI agents invoke inject_sshKey to trigger actions in Cobalt Strike 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 inject_sshKey needs a policy

This tool injects SSH sessions using a key, which is an offensive red-team operation that actively establishes remote access channels. It triggers external operations (SSH session establishment on a target) with effects entirely dependent on the arguments (target host, key, credentials). In a Cobalt Strike context, this represents lateral movement capability that could compromise additional systems.

From the tool's definition 'Inject SSH session with key' - injecting SSH sessions is an active exploitation technique that establishes unauthorized remote access to target systems

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

inject_sshKey Rate-limited

inject_sshKey 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": {
    "inject_sshKey": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "inject_sshkey_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 Cobalt Strike MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about inject_sshKey

What does the inject_sshKey tool do? +

Inject SSH session with key. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Cobalt Strike 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 inject_sshKey? +

Register the Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for inject_sshKey: 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 Cobalt Strike MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is inject_sshKey? +

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

Can I rate-limit inject_sshKey? +

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

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

inject_sshKey is provided by the Cobalt Strike MCP Server MCP server (mickeydb/cobalt-strike-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.