gateway_config_interface · API-Central MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What gateway_config_interface does on API-Central

AI agents use gateway_config_interface to create or update resources in API-Central — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your API-Central environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why gateway_config_interface needs a policy

The tool modifies network interface configuration on a gateway device using PATCH (partial update), which is a reversible write operation. However, misconfiguration of ethernet interfaces on a gateway can disrupt network connectivity for potentially many users, making the blast radius high.

From the tool's definition PATCH ethernet interface config on an Aruba gateway at device scope

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

gateway_config_interface Rate-limited

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

FAQ

Questions about gateway_config_interface

What does the gateway_config_interface tool do? +

PATCH ethernet interface config on an Aruba gateway at device scope. It is categorised as a Write tool in the API-Central MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on gateway_config_interface? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit gateway_config_interface? +

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

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

gateway_config_interface 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.