AI agents invoke hackrf_set_tx_gain to trigger actions in AetherLink SDR MCP. 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.
Setting TX gain on a HackRF directly controls radio frequency transmission power. Misuse can enable unauthorized RF transmission, interference with licensed spectrum (aviation, marine, emergency services), and violations of FCC/ITU regulations. This is an Execute-class action (triggers external hardware operation) with critical blast radius due to potential for RF interference with safety-critical communications.
From the tool's definition 'hackrf_set_tx_gain' and 'Set HackRF transmit gain (0-47 dB)' — configures the transmit power of a HackRF radio transmitter
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access hackrf_set_tx_gain gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and AetherLink SDR MCP, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for hackrf_set_tx_gain:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"hackrf_set_tx_gain": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "hackrf_set_tx_gain_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 10,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}hackrf_set_tx_gain 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.
Free to start. No card required.
Set HackRF transmit gain (0-47 dB). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the AetherLink SDR MCP MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.
Register the AetherLink SDR MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for hackrf_set_tx_gain: 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 AetherLink SDR MCP. Nothing to install.
hackrf_set_tx_gain is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the hackrf_set_tx_gain 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for hackrf_set_tx_gain. 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.
hackrf_set_tx_gain is provided by the AetherLink SDR MCP server (n-erickson/aetherlink-sdr-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from AetherLink SDR MCP, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
Free to start. No card required.
26 AetherLink SDR MCP tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.