gateway_show · API-Central MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What gateway_show does on API-Central

AI agents invoke gateway_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 gateway_show needs a policy

Although 'show' commands are typically read-only in network CLI contexts, this tool executes commands on a live network device via an async API. It triggers external operations on network infrastructure, placing it in the Execute category rather than Read. Misuse could expose sensitive network configuration details or be used as a stepping stone for further operations.

From the tool's definition 'Run show commands on an Aruba gateway via async troubleshooting API'

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

gateway_show Rate-limited

gateway_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": {
    "gateway_show": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "gateway_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 gateway_show

What does the gateway_show tool do? +

Run 'show' commands on an Aruba gateway via async troubleshooting API. Each must start with 'show '. 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 gateway_show? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit gateway_show? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the gateway_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 gateway_show completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for gateway_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 gateway_show? +

gateway_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.