usbtmc_clear · USBTMC MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What usbtmc_clear does on USBTMC MCP Server

AI agents invoke usbtmc_clear to trigger actions in USBTMC MCP Server. 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 usbtmc_clear needs a policy

The name suggests a clear/reset operation on a USBTMC device (likely sending a USBTMC device clear command, which resets the device's interface state). This is an Execute-level action as it triggers an external operation on lab equipment.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'usbtmc_clear' on a USBTMC/SCPI instrument control server; description is empty.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

usbtmc_clear Rate-limited

usbtmc_clear 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": {
    "usbtmc_clear": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "usbtmc_clear_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 USBTMC MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about usbtmc_clear

What does the usbtmc_clear tool do? +

usbtmc_clear. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the USBTMC MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on usbtmc_clear? +

Register the USBTMC MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for usbtmc_clear: 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 USBTMC MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is usbtmc_clear? +

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

Can I rate-limit usbtmc_clear? +

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

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

usbtmc_clear is provided by the USBTMC MCP Server MCP server (naonaome/usbtmc-lite-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.