cp · Windows Operations MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What cp does on Windows Operations MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why cp needs a policy

The 'cp' command copies files reversibly without deletion, making it a Write operation. Severity is high because an AI agent could copy sensitive files to unintended locations, overwrite existing files, or duplicate malicious payloads across the system.

From the tool's definition Tool named 'cp' with no description provided. In Windows and Unix contexts, 'cp' is the standard copy command that creates or modifies data by duplicating files and directories.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

cp Rate-limited

cp 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": {
    "cp": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "cp_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 Windows Operations MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about cp

What does the cp tool do? +

cp. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Windows Operations 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 cp? +

Register the Windows Operations MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for cp: 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 Windows Operations MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is cp? +

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

Can I rate-limit cp? +

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

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

cp is provided by the Windows Operations MCP server (sandraschi/windows-operations-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.