set_zone_enabled · Home Controller MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_zone_enabled does on Home Controller

AI agents use set_zone_enabled 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_zone_enabled needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies zone configuration reversibly by changing whether a zone participates in schedules. It does not execute arbitrary commands, delete data irreversibly, or move money. The modification is reversible (a disabled zone can be re-enabled), placing it in the Write category.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Enable or disable a single zone' which modifies the state of a zone's scheduling inclusion.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_zone_enabled Rate-limited

set_zone_enabled 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_zone_enabled": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_zone_enabled_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

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_zone_enabled

What does the set_zone_enabled tool do? +

Enable or disable a single zone (excludes/includes it from schedules). 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_zone_enabled? +

Register the Home Controller MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_zone_enabled: 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_zone_enabled? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_zone_enabled? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the set_zone_enabled 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_zone_enabled completely? +

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

set_zone_enabled 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.