switch_mode · CERN ROOT MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What switch_mode does on CERN ROOT MCP Server

AI agents call switch_mode as a supporting operation in CERN ROOT MCP Server workflows.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why switch_mode needs a policy

This tool switches operational modes of the MCP server (core vs extended), which is a configuration/state change but does not read data, write/modify data files, execute code, destroy data, or move money. It affects the server's behavior but the description provides no detail about irreversible effects or external operations. Classified as Other with lowered confidence due to the vague description.

From the tool's definition Switch between core and extended modes

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

switch_mode Rate-limited

switch_mode gets a rate cap, and everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "switch_mode": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "switch_mode_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 60,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

SET A RULE FOR THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about switch_mode

What does the switch_mode tool do? +

Switch between core and extended modes. It is categorised as a Other tool in the CERN ROOT MCP Server MCP Server, which means it performs auxiliary operations.

How do I enforce a policy on switch_mode? +

Register the CERN ROOT MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for switch_mode: 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 CERN ROOT MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is switch_mode? +

switch_mode is a Other tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit switch_mode? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the switch_mode 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_mode completely? +

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

switch_mode is provided by the CERN ROOT MCP Server MCP server (mohamedelashri/root-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.