Medium Risk

update_step

Update a single step in a workflow by step ID. Only the specified fields are merged — all other steps and fields remain unchanged. This is SAFER than update_workflow with steps because it cannot accidentally replace or delete other steps. Use this instead of update_workflow when you only need to...

Single-target operation

Part of the Agentled MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

@agentled/mcp-server Write Risk 2/5

AI agents use update_step to create or modify resources in Agentled. Write operations carry medium risk because an autonomous agent could trigger bulk unintended modifications. Rate limits prevent a single agent session from making hundreds of changes in rapid succession. Argument validation ensures the agent passes expected values.

Without a policy, an AI agent could call update_step repeatedly, creating or modifying resources faster than any human could review. Intercept's rate limiting ensures write operations happen at a controlled pace, and argument validation catches malformed or unexpected inputs before they reach Agentled.

Write tools can modify data. A rate limit prevents runaway bulk operations from AI agents.

io-github-agentled-mcp-server.yaml
tools:
  update_step:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 30
          window: 60

See the full Agentled policy for all 56 tools.

Tool Name update_step
Category Write
MCP Server Agentled MCP Server
Risk Level Medium

View all 56 tools →

Agents calling write-class tools like update_step have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Other tools in the Write risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, validate) apply to each.

What does the update_step tool do? +

Update a single step in a workflow by step ID. Only the specified fields are merged — all other steps and fields remain unchanged. This is SAFER than update_workflow with steps because it cannot accidentally replace or delete other steps. Use this instead of update_workflow when you only need to change one step (e.g., update a prompt, change inputs, modify entry conditions). Deep-merges nested objects like pipelineStepPrompt, stepInputData, and entryConditions. For live workflows, changes are routed to a draft snapshot (same behavior as update_workflow).. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Agentled MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on update_step? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for update_step. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Agentled MCP server.

What risk level is update_step? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_step? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_step rule in your Intercept 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 update_step completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for update_step. 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 update_step? +

update_step is provided by the Agentled MCP server (@agentled/mcp-server). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Agentled

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
// GET IN TOUCH

Have a question or want to learn more? Send us a message.

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.