package-update
Updates Swift package dependencies and returns structured update results.
This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-dave-london-cargo/package-update.md
What package-update does on Cargo
AI agents use package-update to create or update resources in Cargo, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Cargo environment.
Why package-update is rated Medium
The tool updates package dependencies, which creates or modifies data (package manifests, lock files) reversibly. This falls under Write rather than Execute because the action itself is a dependency management operation, not arbitrary code execution. While it could indirectly trigger builds or downloads, the primary operation is modification of package metadata.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'package-update' and description states it 'Updates Swift package dependencies' — this modifies dependency configurations and package lock files, which are reversible changes to the project state.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs package-update safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Cargo, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For package-update, this is the rule to start with:
package-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.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Cargo, apply this rule, and every package-update call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about package-update
Updates Swift package dependencies and returns structured update results. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Cargo MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Cargo MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for package-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 Cargo. Nothing to install.
package-update is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the package-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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for package-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.
package-update is provided by the Cargo MCP server (Dave-London/Pare). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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