switch_tab · Chrome Profile MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What switch_tab does on Chrome Profile MCP Server

AI agents invoke switch_tab to trigger actions in Chrome Profile 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 switch_tab needs a policy

Switching the active tab is a browser action that changes the state of a running Chrome instance. It is part of a broader set of browser control tools and can be used to redirect agent focus to sensitive tabs, enabling follow-on actions like data extraction or interaction with authenticated sessions. It is not purely a read operation as it modifies browser UI state.

From the tool's definition Switch active tab by index — triggers a browser state change by switching the active tab in a live Chrome instance controlled via Chrome DevTools Protocol

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

switch_tab Rate-limited

switch_tab 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": {
    "switch_tab": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "switch_tab_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 Chrome Profile MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about switch_tab

What does the switch_tab tool do? +

Switch active tab by index. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Chrome Profile 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 switch_tab? +

Register the Chrome Profile MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for switch_tab: 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 Chrome Profile MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is switch_tab? +

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

Can I rate-limit switch_tab? +

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

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

switch_tab is provided by the Chrome Profile MCP Server MCP server (nghiahsgs/vibe-mcp-chrome). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.