cx_show · API-Central MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What cx_show does on API-Central

AI agents invoke cx_show to trigger actions in API-Central. 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 cx_show needs a policy

Although 'show' commands are typically read-only in network CLI contexts, this tool *executes* commands on a live CX switch via an async polling mechanism. The act of running commands on a network device is an Execute-category action.

From the tool's definition 'Run show commands on a CX switch' — executes commands on a live network device; triggers external operations on network infrastructure

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

cx_show Rate-limited

cx_show 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": {
    "cx_show": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "cx_show_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 API-Central, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about cx_show

What does the cx_show tool do? +

Run 'show' commands on a CX switch (all must start with 'show ', max 20, async polls ~60s). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the API-Central MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on cx_show? +

Register the API-Central MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for cx_show: 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 API-Central. Nothing to install.

What risk level is cx_show? +

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

Can I rate-limit cx_show? +

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

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

cx_show is provided by the API-Central MCP server (secure-ssid/centralmcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.