keyboard_hotkey · Computer Use MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What keyboard_hotkey does on Computer Use MCP Server

AI agents invoke keyboard_hotkey to trigger actions in Computer 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 keyboard_hotkey needs a policy

Keyboard hotkeys can trigger arbitrary system-level actions (e.g., Cmd+Q to quit apps, Cmd+W to close windows, or launching scripts/commands). This is an Execute-category action because it triggers external operations whose effects depend on the arguments passed. Severity is high due to the wide blast radius: hotkeys can close applications, delete files, invoke system commands, or cause other hard-to-reverse effects.

From the tool's definition Press a keyboard shortcut (key combination)

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

keyboard_hotkey Rate-limited

keyboard_hotkey 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": {
    "keyboard_hotkey": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "keyboard_hotkey_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 Computer Use MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about keyboard_hotkey

What does the keyboard_hotkey tool do? +

Press a keyboard shortcut (key combination). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Computer 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 keyboard_hotkey? +

Register the Computer Use MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for keyboard_hotkey: 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 Computer Use MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is keyboard_hotkey? +

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

Can I rate-limit keyboard_hotkey? +

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

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

keyboard_hotkey is provided by the Computer Use MCP Server MCP server (syedazharmbnr1/computer-use-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.