cortex_enable_responder · Cortex MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What cortex_enable_responder does on Cortex

AI agents use cortex_enable_responder to create or update resources in Cortex — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Cortex environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why cortex_enable_responder needs a policy

Enabling a responder activates automated response capabilities in the security platform. This is a Write operation (toggling a responder from disabled to enabled state), but carries high severity because responders can execute automated actions (like blocking IPs, isolating hosts, or other active response measures) once enabled.

From the tool's definition Enable a responder definition in the current organization. Provide configuration values for any required fields.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

cortex_enable_responder Rate-limited

cortex_enable_responder 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": {
    "cortex_enable_responder": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "cortex_enable_responder_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 Cortex, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about cortex_enable_responder

What does the cortex_enable_responder tool do? +

Enable a responder definition in the current organization. Provide configuration values for any required fields. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Cortex MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on cortex_enable_responder? +

Register the Cortex MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for cortex_enable_responder: 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 Cortex. Nothing to install.

What risk level is cortex_enable_responder? +

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

Can I rate-limit cortex_enable_responder? +

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

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

cortex_enable_responder is provided by the Cortex MCP server (solomonneas/cortex-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.