block_ip · Security-Use MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What block_ip does on Security-Use MCP Server

AI agents invoke block_ip to trigger actions in Security-Use MCP Server. 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 block_ip needs a policy

Blocking an IP address is an external operation that modifies network/firewall state. It is not a simple data write (it has immediate operational effects on network access) and is not purely destructive (it can typically be reversed by unblocking). It falls under Execute as it triggers an external operation with significant blast radius — misuse could block legitimate users or services.

From the tool's definition 'Block a source IP address' — actively triggers a network-level access control change that affects external connectivity

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

block_ip Rate-limited

block_ip 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": {
    "block_ip": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "block_ip_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 Security-Use MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about block_ip

What does the block_ip tool do? +

Block a source IP address. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Security-Use MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on block_ip? +

Register the Security-Use MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for block_ip: 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 Security-Use MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is block_ip? +

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

Can I rate-limit block_ip? +

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

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

block_ip is provided by the Security-Use MCP Server MCP server (security-use/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.