pve_create_backup · Proxmox MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What pve_create_backup does on Proxmox MCP Server

AI agents use pve_create_backup to create or update resources in Proxmox MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Proxmox MCP Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why pve_create_backup needs a policy

The tool creates a new backup artifact, which is a reversible write operation. It does not delete, modify existing VMs/containers, or execute arbitrary code. While backups are important for recovery, creating them is not destructive (they can be deleted if needed) and does not inherently cause harm through misuse.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'pve_create_backup' and description 'Create a backup of a VM or container' indicate the tool creates and stores backup data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

pve_create_backup Rate-limited

pve_create_backup stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "pve_create_backup": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "pve_create_backup_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Proxmox MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about pve_create_backup

What does the pve_create_backup tool do? +

Create a backup of a VM or container. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Proxmox MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on pve_create_backup? +

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

What risk level is pve_create_backup? +

pve_create_backup is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit pve_create_backup? +

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

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

pve_create_backup is provided by the Proxmox MCP Server MCP server (mjrestivo16/mcp-proxmox). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.