update

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

SERVERGithub SOURCE@paretools/github

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/io-github-dave-london-github/update.md

WHAT IT DOES

What update does on Github

AI agents use update 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 update is rated Medium

This tool modifies dependency lock files, which is a reversible write operation. While lock file changes could have downstream effects on project builds and deployments, the operation itself is not destructive (files can be reverted via version control) and does not execute arbitrary code or delete data.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it "Updates dependencies in the lock file. Optionally updates a single package." The words "Updates" and "in the lock file" indicate modification of existing data structures.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs update 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 update, this is the rule to start with:

update Rate-limited

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

FAQ

Questions about update

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 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 update? +

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

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 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 update completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer 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 Github MCP server (@paretools/github). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

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