connect_to_server · Pl MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What connect_to_server does on Pl

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why connect_to_server needs a policy

This tool performs a state-modifying operation by establishing a connection to an external server, which persists configuration or session state. While non-destructive and not executing arbitrary code, it creates a new system state. This is most appropriately classified as Write rather than Read (which only retrieves data) or Execute (which triggers code/operations with side effects beyond connection management).

From the tool's definition "Connect to a Platforma server" indicates creating or establishing a connection, which modifies the client state and configuration. This is a reversible write operation (the connection can be disconnected via the sibling 'disconnect' tool).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

connect_to_server Rate-limited

connect_to_server 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": {
    "connect_to_server": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "connect_to_server_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 Pl, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about connect_to_server

What does the connect_to_server tool do? +

Connect to a Platforma server. Use list_connections to see saved servers. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Pl MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on connect_to_server? +

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

What risk level is connect_to_server? +

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

Can I rate-limit connect_to_server? +

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

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

connect_to_server is provided by the Pl MCP server (@milaboratories/pl-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.