start_ap · Mitm MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What start_ap does on Mitm

AI agents invoke start_ap to trigger actions in Mitm. 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 start_ap needs a policy

The tool executes an external script (ap-toggle.sh) to initiate network infrastructure (a WiFi access point). This is Execute rather than Write because it triggers a system-level operation via script execution rather than simply modifying data.

From the tool's definition start_ap starts the hostapd access point via ap-toggle.sh. This executes an external script to control network infrastructure, which is an operational trigger with effects that depend on system state and configuration.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

start_ap Rate-limited

start_ap 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": {
    "start_ap": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start_ap_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 Mitm, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about start_ap

What does the start_ap tool do? +

Start the hostapd access point via ap-toggle.sh. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Mitm MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on start_ap? +

Register the Mitm MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for start_ap: 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 Mitm. Nothing to install.

What risk level is start_ap? +

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

Can I rate-limit start_ap? +

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

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

start_ap is provided by the Mitm MCP server (mplogas/mitmproxy-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.