switch_page · Playwright MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What switch_page does on Playwright MCP

AI agents invoke switch_page 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 switch_page needs a policy

This tool manipulates browser session state by switching active pages, which is a browser control action. While it doesn't directly execute code or delete data, it is part of a browser automation suite (Playwright) and changes the active execution context. Misuse could redirect agent attention to unintended pages, enabling indirect manipulation or exfiltration.

From the tool's definition 'Switch to a different browser page' — controls browser state/navigation between pages in an automated browser session

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

switch_page Rate-limited

switch_page 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": {
    "switch_page": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "switch_page_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 switch_page

What does the switch_page tool do? +

Switch to a different browser 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 switch_page? +

Register the Playwright MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for switch_page: 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 switch_page? +

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

Can I rate-limit switch_page? +

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

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

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