forward · Hermes Computer Use MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What forward does on Hermes Computer Use

AI agents invoke forward to trigger actions in Hermes Computer Use. 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 forward needs a policy

This tool executes a browser navigation command (forward history), which is an external operation that changes the browser's state. While relatively benign on its own, it is part of a browser automation system and can affect the current page context. It's Execute rather than Read because it actively drives the browser rather than merely querying data.

From the tool's definition Browser forward (alt+Right) — triggers a browser navigation action

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

forward Rate-limited

forward 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": {
    "forward": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "forward_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 Hermes Computer Use, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about forward

What does the forward tool do? +

Browser forward (alt+Right). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Hermes Computer Use MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on forward? +

Register the Hermes Computer Use MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for forward: 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 forward? +

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

Can I rate-limit forward? +

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

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

forward 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.