execute_script

THE RISK

High Risk

Why execute_script needs a policy

This tool executes code whose effects depend entirely on the provided arguments. While not inherently destructive, MATLAB code execution can perform file I/O, system calls, mathematical computations with side effects, or trigger external operations. The persistent execution context amplifies risk by allowing state manipulation across multiple invocations.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Execute MATLAB code' and server description emphasizes 'execute scripts and specific code sections' with 'persistent execution context.' The tool directly runs arbitrary MATLAB code.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access execute_script gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control execute_script

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and MATLAB MCP Tool, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for execute_script:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "execute_script": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "execute_script_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

execute_script 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.

Create a free account and register MATLAB MCP Tool — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More MATLAB MCP Tool tools

Execute execute_section execute_section Execute execute_section_by_index execute_section_by_index Execute execute_section_by_title execute_section_by_title Write create_matlab_script Create a new MATLAB script file. Read analyze_figure analyze_figure Read get_analysis_prompt get_analysis_prompt Read get_figure_metadata get_figure_metadata Read get_plot_data get_plot_data

All 15 MATLAB MCP Tool tools →

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Go deeper

High-risk tools in MATLAB MCP Tool → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Agent sandbox → Bounding what an agent can execute and where the boundary should sit.
Least privilege for MCP → Granting agents the minimum tool surface the task needs.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about execute_script

What does the execute_script tool do? +

Execute MATLAB code and return results with plots. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the MATLAB MCP Tool MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on execute_script? +

Register the MATLAB MCP Tool MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for execute_script: 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 MATLAB MCP Tool. Nothing to install.

What risk level is execute_script? +

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

Can I rate-limit execute_script? +

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

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

execute_script is provided by the MATLAB MCP Tool MCP server (neuromechanist/matlab-mcp-tools). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every MATLAB MCP Tool tool call.

Start from MATLAB MCP Tool, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →