cx_traceroute · API-Central MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What cx_traceroute does on API-Central

AI agents invoke cx_traceroute 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_traceroute needs a policy

The tool executes a network operation (traceroute) on a managed device, which is a command with external side effects that depend on the target argument. While not destructive or directly dangerous, misuse (e.g., targeting critical infrastructure or overwhelming targets) could degrade network visibility or cause performance issues.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'cx_traceroute' and description 'Run a traceroute from a CX switch' explicitly indicate execution of a network diagnostic command on infrastructure.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

cx_traceroute Rate-limited

cx_traceroute 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_traceroute": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "cx_traceroute_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_traceroute

What does the cx_traceroute tool do? +

Run a traceroute from a CX switch (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_traceroute? +

Register the API-Central MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for cx_traceroute: 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_traceroute? +

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

Can I rate-limit cx_traceroute? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the cx_traceroute 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_traceroute completely? +

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

cx_traceroute 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.