set_port_auth · API-Central MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_port_auth does on API-Central

AI agents use set_port_auth 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 set_port_auth needs a policy

This tool modifies network switch port authentication profiles (mac-auth, dot1x, server-group, role bindings), creating or updating authentication configurations. The PATCH operation is reversible—configurations can be changed back or reconfigured.

From the tool's definition PATCH a sw-port-profile to bind mac-auth / dot1x / server-group / role — the operation modifies port authentication configuration, a critical network setting, but remains reversible through subsequent PATCH operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_port_auth Rate-limited

set_port_auth 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": {
    "set_port_auth": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_port_auth_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 set_port_auth

What does the set_port_auth tool do? +

PATCH a sw-port-profile to bind mac-auth / dot1x / server-group / role. 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 set_port_auth? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit set_port_auth? +

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

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

set_port_auth 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.