AI agents call list_ssh_keys to retrieve information from Hcloud without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and enumerates SSH keys stored in Hetzner Cloud infrastructure without altering, deleting, or executing any operations. It is a read-only action that queries existing data. While SSH keys are sensitive credentials, the tool itself only performs retrieval. Severity is low because listing keys does not directly compromise systems—subsequent misuse would require additional tools.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_ssh_keys' and description 'List all SSH keys' indicate a query/retrieval operation with no modification or destructive capability.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all SSH keys. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Hcloud MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Hcloud MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_ssh_keys: 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.
list_ssh_keys is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_ssh_keys 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for list_ssh_keys. 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.
list_ssh_keys 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.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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