control_vent · mcpXL30 MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What control_vent does on mcpXL30

AI agents invoke control_vent to trigger actions in mcpXL30. 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 control_vent needs a policy

This tool executes a vacuum chamber operation that affects the microscope's operational state. While not destructive to data, venting a vacuum chamber impacts the microscope's ability to function and could damage sensitive samples or equipment if misused (e.g., rapid venting exposure to atmospheric pressure).

From the tool's definition Tool performs 'Start or stop the venting cycle' on a vacuum chamber in an ESEM microscope, which triggers external operations with effects that depend on invocation parameters (start vs stop).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

control_vent Rate-limited

control_vent 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": {
    "control_vent": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "control_vent_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 mcpXL30, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about control_vent

What does the control_vent tool do? +

Start or stop the venting cycle. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the mcpXL30 MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on control_vent? +

Register the mcpXL30 MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for control_vent: 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 mcpXL30. Nothing to install.

What risk level is control_vent? +

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

Can I rate-limit control_vent? +

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

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

control_vent is provided by the mcpXL30 MCP server (tspspi/mcpxl30). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.