wp_theme_install · Wp Cli MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What wp_theme_install does on Wp Cli

AI agents use wp_theme_install 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_theme_install needs a policy

Installing a theme writes new files to the WordPress installation (a Write operation). The 'activate it immediately' option adds additional impact, as activating a theme changes the site's active theme configuration. This can significantly affect site appearance and functionality.

From the tool's definition Install a WordPress theme from the official wordpress.org theme directory. Optionally activate it immediately.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

wp_theme_install Rate-limited

wp_theme_install 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_theme_install": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "wp_theme_install_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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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_theme_install

What does the wp_theme_install tool do? +

Install a WordPress theme from the official wordpress.org theme directory. Optionally activate it immediately. 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_theme_install? +

Register the Wp Cli MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for wp_theme_install: 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_theme_install? +

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

Can I rate-limit wp_theme_install? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the wp_theme_install 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_theme_install completely? +

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

wp_theme_install 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.