add_load_balancer_target · Hcloud MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_load_balancer_target does on Hcloud

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_load_balancer_target needs a policy

This action creates a new association/target within a load balancer, modifying its configuration reversibly. It is not destructive (the action can be undone by removing the target), does not execute arbitrary code, and does not involve financial transactions.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Add a target to a load balancer', which creates or modifies infrastructure configuration by adding a new target resource to an existing load balancer.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_load_balancer_target Rate-limited

add_load_balancer_target 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": {
    "add_load_balancer_target": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_load_balancer_target_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 Hcloud, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_load_balancer_target

What does the add_load_balancer_target tool do? +

Add a target to a load balancer. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Hcloud MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_load_balancer_target? +

Register the Hcloud MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_load_balancer_target: 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 Hcloud. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_load_balancer_target? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_load_balancer_target? +

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

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

add_load_balancer_target is provided by the Hcloud MCP server (xodus-co/hcloud-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.