upload-content · TermSSH MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What upload-content does on TermSSH MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why upload-content needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies files on a remote system via SFTP upload, which is a reversible write operation. It does not delete data (Destructive), execute commands directly (Execute), nor move money (Financial).

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Upload direct text or base64 content to the remote SSH server using SFTP.' The word 'Upload' indicates data creation/modification on a remote system.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

upload-content Rate-limited

upload-content 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": {
    "upload-content": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "upload-content_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 TermSSH MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about upload-content

What does the upload-content tool do? +

Upload direct text or base64 content to the remote SSH server using SFTP. It is categorised as a Write tool in the TermSSH MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on upload-content? +

Register the TermSSH MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for upload-content: 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 TermSSH MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is upload-content? +

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

Can I rate-limit upload-content? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the upload-content 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 upload-content completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for upload-content. 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 upload-content? +

upload-content is provided by the TermSSH MCP server (rayss868/termssh-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.