Eustis

Unofficial MCP server for UCF's Eustis Linux server.

This project is not affiliated with or maintained by UCF.

It lets an MCP client run SSH commands on eustis3.eecs.ucf.edu, transfer files with SCP, and detect whether it should use direct network access or a local bridge worker.

If you use this for coursework, you are responsible for verifying that it is allowed by your instructor and course policies before using it on class assignments.

Before You Start

• If you are not on UCF Wi-Fi or another UCF network, connect to the UCF VPN first with Cisco AnyConnect / Cisco Secure Client at https://secure.vpn.ucf.edu.
• You need SSH access to eustis3.eecs.ucf.edu.
• For best results, set up SSH keys for Eustis.

Quick Start

Codex

Install the MCP:

./install.sh --nid your_nid --bridge

If your client is sandboxed, start the bridge worker:

./bridge.sh

Then in the MCP client, call:

{
  "name": "diagnose_runtime",
  "arguments": {}
}

If that looks good, test:

{
  "name": "list_remote_home",
  "arguments": {
    "timeout_seconds": 10
  }
}

When To Use The Bridge

Use bridge mode when:

• ssh [email protected] works in your normal terminal
• but your MCP client cannot resolve or reach Eustis

Bridge mode lets the MCP server hand SSH and SCP work to a helper process running outside the sandbox on the same machine.

Client Setup

The MCP server command is:

python3 /absolute/path/to/eustis-mcp/server.py

Useful environment variables:

EUSTIS_NID=your_nid
EUSTIS_USE_BRIDGE=1

Optional:

EUSTIS_BRIDGE_DIR=/tmp/eustis-mcp-youruser

Codex Config

./install.sh --nid your_nid --bridge writes the Codex config for you.

Claude Desktop / Cursor / Other JSON MCP Clients

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "eustis": {
      "command": "python3",
      "args": ["/absolute/path/to/eustis-mcp/server.py"],
      "env": {
        "EUSTIS_NID": "your_nid",
        "EUSTIS_USE_BRIDGE": "1"
      }
    }
  }
}

SSH Key Setup

If you have not set up SSH keys yet:

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -f ~/.ssh/id_ed25519_eustis -C "[email protected]"
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_ed25519_eustis.pub [email protected]
ssh -o BatchMode=yes [email protected] -- pwd

If the last command prints your home directory, MCP remote execution should work much more smoothly.

Bridge Automation

Start bridge auto-launch at login:

macOS

./install_bridge_macos.sh

Linux

./install_bridge_linux.sh

Windows

powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .\install_bridge_windows.ps1

Most Useful Tools

• diagnose_runtime
• bridge_status
• list_remote_home
• run_remote_command
• upload_to_eustis
• download_from_eustis

Troubleshooting

Could not resolve hostname

Usually means:

• you are not connected to UCF VPN
• or your MCP client cannot see the host network

If ssh works in your terminal but not in the MCP client, use bridge mode.

Bridge Mode Times Out

Make sure:

• ./bridge.sh is running
• your normal terminal can SSH to Eustis
• your SSH keys are installed on Eustis

Test SSH Directly

ssh -o BatchMode=yes [email protected] -- pwd

Security Notes

• Do not store your NID password in this repo or client config.
• This project does not automate the UCF VPN login flow.
• Bridge mode is local-only and uses a private per-user temp directory.