node

Run and manage the headless node host service

SERVEROpenClaw SOURCEopenclaw

High RISK CLASS

Category Execute

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity verified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/openclaw/node.md

WHAT IT DOES

What node does on OpenClaw

AI agents invoke node to trigger actions in OpenClaw. 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.

RISK

Why node is rated High

This tool permits running code via a Node.js runtime environment. While not explicitly stating code execution via input arguments, running and managing a 'headless node host service' implies the ability to execute JavaScript/Node.js operations, which is inherently Execute-category risk.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'node' with description 'Run and manage the headless node host service' indicates execution and management of a Node.js service.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs node safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and OpenClaw, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For node, this is the rule to start with:

node Rate-limited

node 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": {
    "node": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "node_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect OpenClaw, apply this rule, and every node call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about node

What does the node tool do? +

Run and manage the headless node host service. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the OpenClaw MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on node? +

Register the OpenClaw MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for node: 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 OpenClaw. Nothing to install.

What risk level is node? +

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

Can I rate-limit node? +

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

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

node is provided by the OpenClaw MCP server (openclaw). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

More on OpenClaw, and thousands of servers like it.

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Guides

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