ssh_upload · Mcp Ssh Live MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What ssh_upload does on Mcp Ssh Live

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why ssh_upload needs a policy

This tool transfers files to remote systems via SSH/SFTP, creating or modifying files on remote servers. This is a Write operation (reversible modification) rather than Execute because the upload itself does not directly trigger code execution—however, uploaded files could be executed subsequently.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'ssh_upload' combined with server description mentioning 'SFTP file transfer' indicates file upload capability. No formal description provided, but context from sibling tools (ssh_download, ssh_exec) and server capabilities clarifies intent.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

ssh_upload Rate-limited

ssh_upload 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": {
    "ssh_upload": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "ssh_upload_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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

FAQ

Questions about ssh_upload

What does the ssh_upload tool do? +

ssh_upload. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mcp Ssh Live MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on ssh_upload? +

Register the Mcp Ssh Live MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for ssh_upload: 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 Mcp Ssh Live. Nothing to install.

What risk level is ssh_upload? +

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

Can I rate-limit ssh_upload? +

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

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

ssh_upload is provided by the Mcp Ssh Live MCP server (pmboxbiz/mcp-ssh-live). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.