ssh_start_interactive_shell · SSH MCP Server MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What ssh_start_interactive_shell does on SSH MCP Server

AI agents invoke ssh_start_interactive_shell to trigger actions in SSH 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 ssh_start_interactive_shell needs a policy

Interactive shell access is a classic Execute primitive—it allows an AI agent to run arbitrary commands on remote systems with unpredictable side effects. The PTY support for 'typing simulation' indicates real interactive control, not just single-command execution.

From the tool's definition Tool name explicitly contains 'start_interactive_shell' and description states it provides 'interactive shell session' with 'PTY support for typing simulation'. This enables arbitrary command execution on remote systems.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

ssh_start_interactive_shell Rate-limited

ssh_start_interactive_shell 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": {
    "ssh_start_interactive_shell": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "ssh_start_interactive_shell_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 SSH MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about ssh_start_interactive_shell

What does the ssh_start_interactive_shell tool do? +

Start an interactive shell session with PTY support for typing simulation. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the SSH 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 ssh_start_interactive_shell? +

Register the SSH MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for ssh_start_interactive_shell: 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 SSH MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is ssh_start_interactive_shell? +

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

Can I rate-limit ssh_start_interactive_shell? +

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

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

ssh_start_interactive_shell is provided by the SSH MCP Server MCP server (widjis/mcp-ssh). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.