remove_host_tag · Defined MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What remove_host_tag does on Defined

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why remove_host_tag needs a policy

Removing a tag is a modification to host metadata that can be undone by re-adding the tag. It does not delete the host or the tag itself, just the association. However, misuse could affect network access control if firewall rules are tag-based, elevating severity to medium.

From the tool's definition 'Remove a tag from a host. Preserves other tags.' - modifies host configuration by removing a tag, but is reversible (tag can be re-added)

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

remove_host_tag Rate-limited

remove_host_tag 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": {
    "remove_host_tag": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "remove_host_tag_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 Defined, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about remove_host_tag

What does the remove_host_tag tool do? +

Remove a tag from a host. Preserves other tags. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Defined MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on remove_host_tag? +

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

What risk level is remove_host_tag? +

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

Can I rate-limit remove_host_tag? +

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

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

remove_host_tag is provided by the Defined MCP server (quickvm/defined-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.