run-powershell-script · Sitecore MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What run-powershell-script does on SitecoreMCP

AI agents invoke run-powershell-script to trigger actions in SitecoreMCP. 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.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why run-powershell-script needs a policy

Running PowerShell scripts is a form of code execution with potentially unrestricted scope. PowerShell has access to the operating system, file system, network, and Sitecore APIs, making it capable of performing any action the underlying service account can perform. An AI agent with access to this tool could execute destructive, financial, or otherwise harmful operations.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'run-powershell-script' and description states it 'Runs a PowerShell script and returns the output.' PowerShell script execution is arbitrary code execution on the host system.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

run-powershell-script Rate-limited

run-powershell-script 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": {
    "run-powershell-script": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "run-powershell-script_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about run-powershell-script

What does the run-powershell-script tool do? +

Runs a PowerShell script and returns the output. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the SitecoreMCP MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on run-powershell-script? +

Register the Sitecore MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for run-powershell-script: 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 SitecoreMCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is run-powershell-script? +

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

Can I rate-limit run-powershell-script? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the run-powershell-script 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 run-powershell-script completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for run-powershell-script. 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 run-powershell-script? +

run-powershell-script is provided by the Sitecore MCP server (ramseur/mcp-sitecore-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.