rotate_agent_key · Tether Name MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What rotate_agent_key does on Tether Name

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why rotate_agent_key needs a policy

Rotating an agent key modifies the agent's authentication credentials by replacing the existing key with a new one. This is a Write operation (reversible in the sense that a new key is generated, though the old key is invalidated). The severity is high because misuse could lock out legitimate agents or grant unauthorized access by replacing valid keys, impacting identity and access management across the system.

From the tool's definition Rotate an agent key. Requires TETHER_API_KEY plus step-up verification via stepUpCode or challenge+proof.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

rotate_agent_key Rate-limited

rotate_agent_key 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": {
    "rotate_agent_key": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "rotate_agent_key_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 Tether Name, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about rotate_agent_key

What does the rotate_agent_key tool do? +

Rotate an agent key. Requires TETHER_API_KEY plus step-up verification via stepUpCode or challenge+proof. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Tether Name MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on rotate_agent_key? +

Register the Tether Name MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for rotate_agent_key: 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 Tether Name. Nothing to install.

What risk level is rotate_agent_key? +

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

Can I rate-limit rotate_agent_key? +

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

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

rotate_agent_key is provided by the Tether Name MCP server (tether-name-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.