upload-file · TermSSH MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What upload-file does on TermSSH MCP

AI agents use upload-file 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-file needs a policy

The tool enables creation and modification of files on a remote system via SFTP. While not irreversibly destructive (files can be deleted or modified later), the ability to upload arbitrary files to a remote server is a high-severity Write risk, as a compromised AI agent could upload malicious scripts, credentials, or overwrite critical configuration files.

From the tool's definition The tool description states it 'Upload[s] a local file to the remote SSH server using SFTP,' which creates or modifies files on a remote system. This is a Write operation—it creates new files or overwrites existing ones on the remote server.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

upload-file Rate-limited

upload-file 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-file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "upload-file_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-file

What does the upload-file tool do? +

Upload a local file 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-file? +

Register the TermSSH MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for upload-file: 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-file? +

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

Can I rate-limit upload-file? +

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

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

upload-file 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.