sam_build · AWS IoT SiteWise MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What sam_build does on AWS IoT SiteWise MCP Server

AI agents invoke sam_build to trigger actions in AWS IoT SiteWise MCP Server. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why sam_build needs a policy

SAM build is an execution tool that runs code compilation, dependency resolution, and application packaging. While the description is empty (lowering confidence slightly), the tool name and context of sibling infrastructure tools indicate this triggers external build operations whose effects depend on the application configuration and dependencies.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'sam_build' indicates AWS SAM (Serverless Application Model) build execution. The sibling tools on this server include infrastructure and deployment-related operations like 'add_inline_policy', 'analyze_cdk_project', and other administrative…

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

sam_build Rate-limited

sam_build stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "sam_build": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "sam_build_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches AWS IoT SiteWise MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about sam_build

What does the sam_build tool do? +

sam_build. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the AWS IoT SiteWise MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on sam_build? +

Register the AWS IoT SiteWise MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for sam_build: 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 AWS IoT SiteWise MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is sam_build? +

sam_build is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit sam_build? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the sam_build 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.

How do I block sam_build completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for sam_build. 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.

What MCP server provides sam_build? +

sam_build is provided by the AWS IoT SiteWise MCP Server MCP server (awslabs.aws-iot-sitewise-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.