set_boost_mode · Home Controller MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_boost_mode does on Home Controller

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_boost_mode needs a policy

This tool changes the operating mode of a smart home device (enabling or disabling boost/party mode). This is a reversible state change — the mode can be turned on or off — placing it in the Write category. Severity is medium because misuse could lead to unintended energy consumption, appliance wear, or comfort disruption, but the action is reversible and not financially or destructively impactful.

From the tool's definition 'Enable or disable boost/party mode' — toggling a boost/party mode modifies device state (e.g., sauna, HVAC, or appliance operating mode) reversibly

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_boost_mode Rate-limited

set_boost_mode 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": {
    "set_boost_mode": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_boost_mode_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Home Controller, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_boost_mode

What does the set_boost_mode tool do? +

Enable or disable boost/party mode. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Home Controller MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on set_boost_mode? +

Register the Home Controller MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_boost_mode: 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 Home Controller. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_boost_mode? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_boost_mode? +

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

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

set_boost_mode is provided by the Home Controller MCP server (winsthuang/home-controller). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.