cut · Hermes Computer Use MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What cut does on Hermes Computer Use

AI agents use cut to create or update resources in Hermes Computer Use — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Hermes Computer Use environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why cut needs a policy

The 'cut' operation modifies clipboard state and removes content from the current DOM or application context. While cutting is technically reversible (via undo or paste), it constitutes a write action that alters application state. In the context of browser automation by an AI agent, misuse could lead to unintended clipboard manipulation or loss of user selections.

From the tool's definition Tool performs 'Cut the current selection to clipboard (ctrl+x)' — modifies clipboard state and removes selected content from the active application, which is a reversible write operation when considered in the context of clipboard management.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

cut Rate-limited

cut 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": {
    "cut": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "cut_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Hermes Computer Use, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about cut

What does the cut tool do? +

Cut the current selection to clipboard (ctrl+x). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Hermes Computer Use MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on cut? +

Register the Hermes Computer Use MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for cut: 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 Hermes Computer Use. Nothing to install.

What risk level is cut? +

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

Can I rate-limit cut? +

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

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

cut is provided by the Hermes Computer Use MCP server (noah3521/hermes-computer-use). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.