wp_maintenance_mode · Wp Cli MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What wp_maintenance_mode does on Wp Cli

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why wp_maintenance_mode needs a policy

This tool modifies the operational state of a WordPress site by enabling or disabling maintenance mode. It is reversible (can be toggled back), making it a Write operation. Misuse could cause site downtime for visitors (e.g., leaving maintenance mode on indefinitely), giving it medium severity.

From the tool's definition 'Enable or disable WordPress maintenance mode. When enabled, visitors see a' - the tool toggles maintenance mode state on the WordPress site

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

wp_maintenance_mode Rate-limited

wp_maintenance_mode 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": {
    "wp_maintenance_mode": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "wp_maintenance_mode_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about wp_maintenance_mode

What does the wp_maintenance_mode tool do? +

Enable or disable WordPress maintenance mode. When enabled, visitors see a. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Wp Cli MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on wp_maintenance_mode? +

Register the Wp Cli MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for wp_maintenance_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 Wp Cli. Nothing to install.

What risk level is wp_maintenance_mode? +

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

Can I rate-limit wp_maintenance_mode? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the wp_maintenance_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 wp_maintenance_mode completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for wp_maintenance_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 wp_maintenance_mode? +

wp_maintenance_mode is provided by the Wp Cli MCP server (mvtandas/wp-cli-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.