Returns a structured list of running processes in the VM (like ps aux). Use to verify service health and resource usage.
AI agents call list_processes to retrieve information from Virtualbox MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
list_processes is a read-only diagnostic tool that queries process information from a VM. It retrieves data without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing code. While it provides visibility into running services, misuse by an AI agent would be limited to information disclosure rather than system compromise or data destruction. The blast radius is minimal since the tool only observes state.
From the tool's definition Tool returns a structured list of running processes (like ps aux), which is a query/inspection operation with no side effects. The description emphasizes retrieving and verifying information without modifying system state.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Returns a structured list of running processes in the VM (like ps aux). Use to verify service health and resource usage. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Virtualbox MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Virtualbox MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_processes: 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 Virtualbox MCP Server. Nothing to install.
list_processes is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_processes 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for list_processes. 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.
list_processes is provided by the Virtualbox MCP Server MCP server (usemanusai/virtualbox-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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