ping_client · Overlord MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What ping_client does on Overlord MCP Server

AI agents invoke ping_client to trigger actions in Overlord 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 ping_client needs a policy

The tool actively sends a network message to a remote client and measures the round-trip time, triggering an external operation with real effects on the target client. This goes beyond passive reading — it initiates communication with a C2-connected client, which in a C2 framework context could alert or interact with the client endpoint. Categorized as Execute due to the active network action it performs.

From the tool's definition Send a ping to a specific client and measure RTT

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

ping_client Rate-limited

ping_client 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": {
    "ping_client": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "ping_client_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 Overlord MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about ping_client

What does the ping_client tool do? +

Send a ping to a specific client and measure RTT. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Overlord 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 ping_client? +

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

What risk level is ping_client? +

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

Can I rate-limit ping_client? +

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

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

ping_client is provided by the Overlord MCP Server MCP server (skeeminator/overlord-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.