skill_update

Update an existing skill. Only managed and workspace skills can be updated (not bundled).

SERVERCoWork OS SOURCECoWork-OS/CoWork-OS

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/cowork-os/skill-update.md

WHAT IT DOES

What skill_update does on CoWork OS

AI agents use skill_update to create or update resources in CoWork OS, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your CoWork OS environment.

RISK

Why skill_update is rated Medium

This tool modifies existing skills within the system. While updates are reversible (distinguishing it from Destructive), the potential to alter workspace automation logic, behavior rules, or skill definitions could affect system functionality.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'skill_update' and description 'Update an existing skill' indicate modification of existing data. The restriction to 'managed and workspace skills' suggests these are user-controlled artifacts that can be reversibly updated.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs skill_update safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and CoWork OS, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For skill_update, this is the rule to start with:

skill_update Rate-limited

skill_update stays usable, but capped: an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "skill_update": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "skill_update_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect CoWork OS, apply this rule, and every skill_update call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about skill_update

What does the skill_update tool do? +

Update an existing skill. Only managed and workspace skills can be updated (not bundled). It is categorised as a Write tool in the CoWork OS MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on skill_update? +

Register the CoWork OS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for skill_update: 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 CoWork OS. Nothing to install.

What risk level is skill_update? +

skill_update is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit skill_update? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the skill_update 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 skill_update completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for skill_update. 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 skill_update? +

skill_update is provided by the CoWork OS MCP server (CoWork-OS/CoWork-OS). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

More on CoWork OS, and thousands of servers like it.

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All 342 CoWork OS tools →

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aroflo_create_or_update_record on AroFlo MCP →team_manager_update_budget on Team Manager MCP → The MCP Attack Database →

Guides

Govern customer-ops agents →Argument validation →Scoped token →