MCP Remote Access

🚀 SSH & Serial port access for MCP-compatible clients

This project is an MCP server that offers SSH and UART/serial port access for MCP-compatible clients (such as Codex CLI or Claude Code). It allows direct control of remote devices like Raspberry Pi, embedded systems, and IoT devices.

✨ Features

SSH Tools

• ssh_connect: Connect to remote hosts via SSH (using password or key authentication).
• ssh_execute: Run commands on connected hosts.
• ssh_upload: Upload files via SFTP.
• ssh_download: Download files via SFTP.
• ssh_disconnect: Close connections.
• ssh_list_connections: Show active connections.

UART/Serial Tools

• serial_list_ports: List available serial ports.
• serial_connect: Connect to a serial port.
• serial_connect_match: Connect by matching VID/PID/serial/description.
• serial_send: Send data (with optional response reading and configurable line ending).
• serial_read: Read data from the port.
• serial_wait_for: Wait for a specific pattern in the output.
• serial_expect: Wait/send sequences for prompts and AT flows.
• serial_send_break: Send a break signal.
• serial_set_dtr: Set the DTR line state.
• serial_set_rts: Set the RTS line state.
• serial_reset_device: Reset devices via DTR/RTS sequences.
• serial_flush: Flush serial buffers.
• serial_disconnect: Close connections.
• serial_list_connections: Show active connections.

📦 Installation

1. Clone and install

git clone https://github.com/RFingAdam/mcp-remote-access.git
cd mcp-remote-access
uv pip install -e .

2. Add to your MCP client

Codex CLI example:

codex mcp add remote-access -- uv run --directory /path/to/mcp-remote-access mcp-remote-access

Claude Code example:

claude mcp add remote-access -- uv run --directory /path/to/mcp-remote-access mcp-remote-access

If your client uses a config file, set the MCP server command to:

{
  "command": "uv",
  "args": ["run", "--directory", "/path/to/mcp-remote-access", "mcp-remote-access"]
}

3. Start your client

For example:

codex

claude

💻 Usage Examples

SSH to a Raspberry Pi

Connect to my Pi at vpn-ap.local with username pi and password raspberry

The client will:

1. Use ssh_connect to establish the connection.
2. Use ssh_execute to run commands.
3. Use ssh_upload/download for file transfers.

Serial Connection to Embedded Device

List available serial ports and connect to /dev/ttyUSB0 at 115200 baud

The client will:

1. Use serial_list_ports to show available ports.
2. Use serial_connect to establish the connection.
3. Use serial_send / serial_read for communication.

Connect to the USB serial device with VID 0x10c4 and PID 0xea60 at 115200 baud

The client will:

1. Use serial_connect_match to select the port.
2. Use serial_send / serial_read for communication.

Serial Prompt Automation

Connect to the UART and log in as root (password summit), then wait for a shell prompt

The client will:

1. Use serial_connect or serial_connect_match to open the port.
2. Use serial_expect to wait for prompts and send responses.

⚠️ Important Note

• SSH passwords are passed in memory only and are never stored.
• Connections are session-based and are cleared on server restart.
• Use SSH keys when possible for better security.
• The server only accepts connections from the local MCP client (stdio transport).

🛠️ Troubleshooting

SSH Connection Issues

• Verify the host is reachable: ping vpn-ap.local.
• Check if SSH is running on the target: ssh pi@vpn-ap.local.
• Ensure the credentials are correct.

Serial Port Issues

• Check port permissions: ls -la /dev/ttyUSB*.
• Add the user to the dialout group: sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER.
• Verify the device is connected: dmesg | tail.

📄 License

MIT