update

Updates dependencies in the lock file. Optionally updates a single package.

Accepts file system path (path); High parameter count (11 properties); Single-target operation

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

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents use update to create or modify resources in Cargo. 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.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON UPDATE

Without a policy, an AI agent could call update 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 Cargo.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

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

io-github-dave-london-cargo.yaml

tools:
  update:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 30
          window: 60

See the full Cargo policy for all 12 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name update

Category Write

MCP Server Cargo MCP Server

Risk Level Medium

// MORE CARGO TOOLS

Destructive remove Execute audit Execute build Execute clippy Execute doc Execute fmt Execute run Execute tree

View all 12 tools →

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

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

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

// OTHER WRITE TOOLS ACROSS MCP SERVERS

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

AbraFlexi contact_create AbraFlexi contact_update AbraFlexi evidence_create AbraFlexi evidence_update AbraFlexi invoice_issued_update AbraFlexi invoice_received_create

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the update tool do? +

Updates dependencies in the lock file. Optionally updates a single package.. 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.

How do I enforce a policy on update? +

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

What risk level is update? +

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

Can I rate-limit update? +

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

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for 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 update? +

update is provided by the Cargo MCP server (@paretools/cargo). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

update

Enforce policies on Cargo