show_desktop · xigua- MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What show_desktop does on xigua-MCP

AI agents invoke show_desktop to trigger actions in xigua-MCP. 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 show_desktop needs a policy

This tool triggers an OS-level action (Win+D) that affects the state of all open windows on the desktop. It is an external system operation with side effects (all windows are minimized), making it Execute. While the action is reversible (windows can be restored), it can disrupt active work and user sessions, warranting medium severity.

From the tool's definition Minimize all windows to show the desktop (Win+D equivalent)

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

show_desktop Rate-limited

show_desktop 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": {
    "show_desktop": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "show_desktop_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 xigua-MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about show_desktop

What does the show_desktop tool do? +

Minimize all windows to show the desktop (Win+D equivalent). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the xigua-MCP MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on show_desktop? +

Register the xigua- MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for show_desktop: 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 xigua-MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is show_desktop? +

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

Can I rate-limit show_desktop? +

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

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

show_desktop is provided by the xigua- MCP server (xiguaxiaome/xigua-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.