ssh-connect MCP server

@t-suganuma

About ssh-connect MCP server

An MCP server for SSH connections and file operations.

Config

Add this server to your MCP-compatible client using the configuration below.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ssh-connect-mcp-server": {
      "command": "python",
      "args": [
        "examples/ssh_example.py"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Tools

Connect to an SSH server

Disconnect from the SSH server

Execute a command on the SSH server

Upload a file to the SSH server

Download a file from the SSH server

List files in a directory on the SSH server

Overview

What is ssh-connect MCP server?

ssh-connect MCP server is a Model Context Protocol server that provides SSH connection and file operation tools. It enables clients like Cline and Claude Desktop to connect to remote servers, execute commands, and transfer files. It uses paramiko for SSH and supports password or key-based authentication.

How to use ssh-connect MCP server?

Configure the server by setting environment variables (SSH_HOST, SSH_PORT, SSH_USERNAME, and either SSH_PASSWORD or SSH_KEY_PATH) in your MCP settings file. An example configuration uses uv to run the server. Once configured, tools such as connect, execute, upload, download, and list_files become available to the MCP client.

Key features of ssh-connect MCP server

Connect to SSH servers with password or key authentication
Execute remote commands with optional timeout (default 60 seconds)
Upload and download files between local and remote systems
List directory contents with file type and size
All connection parameters configurable via environment variables
Includes test scripts and usage examples for Cline and Claude Desktop

Use cases of ssh-connect MCP server

Automate remote server administration tasks from an MCP-enabled client
Securely transfer configuration files or logs between machines
Run ad‑hoc commands on a fleet of servers through a chat interface
Integrate remote file listing and manipulation into AI‑assisted workflows

FAQ from ssh-connect MCP server

What authentication methods does ssh-connect MCP server support?

It supports password authentication via SSH_PASSWORD and private key authentication via SSH_KEY_PATH (with optional SSH_KEY_PASSPHRASE). You must provide at least one of these.

What dependencies are required to run ssh-connect MCP server?

You need to install the paramiko Python package. The project includes an install_dependencies.sh script to handle installation.

How do I configure the SSH connection parameters?

Set the environment variables SSH_HOST, SSH_PORT (default 22), SSH_USERNAME, and either SSH_PASSWORD or SSH_KEY_PATH in your MCP settings file. An example JSON configuration is provided in the repository.

How can I test the server without an actual SSH server?

Run the included test script python tests/test_ssh_connect.py, which uses mocking to verify core functionality without requiring a live connection.

Can I override connection parameters when using the connect tool?

Yes, the connect tool accepts optional parameters (host, port, username, password, key_path, key_passphrase) to override environment variables on a per‑connection basis.

Frequently asked questions

What authentication methods does ssh-connect MCP server support?

It supports password authentication via `SSH_PASSWORD` and private key authentication via `SSH_KEY_PATH` (with optional `SSH_KEY_PASSPHRASE`). You must provide at least one of these.

What dependencies are required to run ssh-connect MCP server?

You need to install the paramiko Python package. The project includes an `install_dependencies.sh` script to handle installation.

How do I configure the SSH connection parameters?

Set the environment variables `SSH_HOST`, `SSH_PORT` (default 22), `SSH_USERNAME`, and either `SSH_PASSWORD` or `SSH_KEY_PATH` in your MCP settings file. An example JSON configuration is provided in the repository.

How can I test the server without an actual SSH server?

Run the included test script `python tests/test_ssh_connect.py`, which uses mocking to verify core functionality without requiring a live connection.

Can I override connection parameters when using the connect tool?

Yes, the `connect` tool accepts optional parameters (`host`, `port`, `username`, `password`, `key_path`, `key_passphrase`) to override environment variables on a per‑connection basis.

Comments

Basic information

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