start_xo_app · XO MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What start_xo_app does on XO MCP Server

AI agents invoke start_xo_app to trigger actions in XO 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 start_xo_app needs a policy

Starting an application is an Execute action—it triggers external operations (container/service startup) whose effects depend on which app is targeted and the XO platform's state. While reversible via stop_xo_app, the action itself initiates processes and resource allocation outside the AI's control. This poses a moderate-to-high blast radius if an agent starts unintended or resource-intensive applications.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'start_xo_app' indicates execution of application startup operations. Server description mentions 'deploy, manage, and interact with applications on XO infrastructure' and 'application lifecycle management'.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

start_xo_app Rate-limited

start_xo_app 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": {
    "start_xo_app": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start_xo_app_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 XO MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about start_xo_app

What does the start_xo_app tool do? +

start_xo_app. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the XO 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 start_xo_app? +

Register the XO MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for start_xo_app: 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 XO MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is start_xo_app? +

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

Can I rate-limit start_xo_app? +

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

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

start_xo_app is provided by the XO MCP Server MCP server (sharmasuraj0123/xo-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.