adb_press_key · Openclaw Adb MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What adb_press_key does on Openclaw Adb

AI agents invoke adb_press_key to trigger actions in Openclaw Adb. 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 adb_press_key needs a policy

This tool simulates physical key presses on an Android device via ADB, triggering device actions that depend on which keycode is sent (e.g., HOME, BACK, POWER, volume keys). This constitutes executing an external operation on the device whose effects depend on the arguments provided.

From the tool's definition Press a key on the device (using Android keycode)

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

adb_press_key Rate-limited

adb_press_key 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": {
    "adb_press_key": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "adb_press_key_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 Openclaw Adb, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about adb_press_key

What does the adb_press_key tool do? +

Press a key on the device (using Android keycode). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Openclaw Adb MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on adb_press_key? +

Register the Openclaw Adb MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for adb_press_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 Openclaw Adb. Nothing to install.

What risk level is adb_press_key? +

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

Can I rate-limit adb_press_key? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the adb_press_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 adb_press_key completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for adb_press_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 adb_press_key? +

adb_press_key is provided by the Openclaw Adb MCP server (wilsonbeam/openclaw-adb-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.