arrange-panes · Ryan's Tmux MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What arrange-panes does on Ryan's Tmux MCP Server

AI agents invoke arrange-panes to trigger actions in Ryan's Tmux MCP Server. 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 arrange-panes needs a policy

Arranging panes is an active operation that reorganizes the tmux window layout. It doesn't merely read data, nor does it delete anything irreversibly, but it does trigger a tmux operation that changes the state of the terminal session environment. This falls under Execute as it performs an external operation (tmux layout command) whose effects depend on arguments.

From the tool's definition 'Arrange panes in a window with a specific layout' — modifies the layout/arrangement of tmux panes, triggering a structural change in the terminal environment

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

arrange-panes Rate-limited

arrange-panes 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": {
    "arrange-panes": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "arrange-panes_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 Ryan's Tmux MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about arrange-panes

What does the arrange-panes tool do? +

Arrange panes in a window with a specific layout. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Ryan's Tmux MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on arrange-panes? +

Register the Ryan's Tmux MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for arrange-panes: 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 Ryan's Tmux MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is arrange-panes? +

arrange-panes is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit arrange-panes? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the arrange-panes 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 arrange-panes completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for arrange-panes. 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 arrange-panes? +

arrange-panes is provided by the Ryan's Tmux MCP Server MCP server (ryancnelson/ryan-tmux-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.