github_update_file

A write tool on the Github MCP server.

SERVERGithub SOURCEdkeeno/github-mcp-server

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/dkeeno-github-mcp-server/github-update-file.md

WHAT IT DOES

What github_update_file does on Github

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

RISK

Why github_update_file is rated Medium

This tool modifies repository files, which is a reversible Write operation. It could affect production code, documentation, or configuration if misused by an agent, making it high severity. The empty description lowers confidence slightly, but the name and server context are clear.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'github_update_file' on a GitHub management server with confirmed write capabilities (server description mentions 'push' and repository management). The 'update' verb and file context indicate modification of existing data in repositories.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs github_update_file safely

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

github_update_file Rate-limited

github_update_file 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": {
    "github_update_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "github_update_file_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 Github, apply this rule, and every github_update_file call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about github_update_file

What does the github_update_file tool do? +

github_update_file is a write tool on the Github MCP server. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Github MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on github_update_file? +

Register the Github MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for github_update_file: 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 Github. Nothing to install.

What risk level is github_update_file? +

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

Can I rate-limit github_update_file? +

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

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

github_update_file is provided by the Github MCP server (dkeeno/github-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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