pve_create_qemu_vm · Proxmox MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What pve_create_qemu_vm does on Proxmox

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why pve_create_qemu_vm needs a policy

This tool creates a new QEMU virtual machine on the Proxmox cluster. Creation of VMs consumes significant compute, memory, and storage resources. While it is reversible (the VM can be deleted), misuse could exhaust cluster resources or provision unauthorized machines. It falls under Write as it creates a new resource without inherently irreversible destruction.

From the tool's definition Create a QEMU VM. Requires confirm=true.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

pve_create_qemu_vm Rate-limited

pve_create_qemu_vm 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": {
    "pve_create_qemu_vm": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "pve_create_qemu_vm_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about pve_create_qemu_vm

What does the pve_create_qemu_vm tool do? +

Create a QEMU VM. Requires confirm=true. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Proxmox MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on pve_create_qemu_vm? +

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

What risk level is pve_create_qemu_vm? +

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

Can I rate-limit pve_create_qemu_vm? +

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

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

pve_create_qemu_vm is provided by the Proxmox MCP server (plgonzalezrx8/proxmox-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.