Model Context Protocol moderate risk

Pox

The POX MCP server provides network control and management via the POX SDN controller, enabling Python-based network programming and automated network analysis.

Connections & Capabilities

Connects To

GitHubTwitter

Capabilities

readwriteexecadmin

Quickstart

Config

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "pox": {
      "command": "uv",
      "args": [
        "--directory",
        "parent_of_servers_repo/servers/src/mcp_server_pox",
        "run",
        "server.py"
      ],
      "env": {
        "POX_SERVER_URL": "http://localhost:8000"
      }
    }
  }
}

Exposed MCP Tools (5)

safe

get_switches

Lists all connected OpenFlow datapaths controlled by POX.

Read-only operation; retrieves information about connected switches.

safe

get_switch_desc

Retrieves detailed information about a specific OpenFlow datapath.

Read-only operation; retrieves switch details based on datapath ID.

safe

get_flow_stats

Retrieves flow statistics from a specified OpenFlow datapath.

Read-only operation; retrieves flow statistics without modifying the network.

high

set_table

Configures flow tables on a specified OpenFlow datapath.

Modifies network behavior by updating flow tables, potentially disrupting traffic.

moderate

append_insight

Appends network insights to the POX configuration memo.

Adds data to the network configuration memo, which could be misleading if the insight is incorrect or malicious.

Safety Assessment

The POX MCP server offers powerful network control capabilities but requires careful management to avoid misconfiguration. It's relatively safe for read-only operations and network monitoring, but risky when using tools that modify network flows or configurations without proper validation.

Limited resource exposure (pox://network-config, pox://topology).
Requires specific arguments for prompts, reducing accidental execution.
Tools offer both read and write operations, allowing for controlled network modifications.
Uses OpenFlow, which provides a degree of abstraction from the underlying hardware.

Direct control over network devices via OpenFlow.
Potential for misconfiguration leading to network disruption.
Lack of built-in authentication mechanisms beyond environment variables.
The `set_table` tool allows for arbitrary flow modifications, posing a risk if misused.
The `append_insight` tool can be used to inject arbitrary data into the network configuration memo.