submodule · Python MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What submodule does on Python

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why submodule needs a policy

The tool performs reversible modifications to git submodule configuration. While 'deinit' removes submodule initialization, it does not irreversibly delete the underlying repository data (comparable to git deinit which can be reversed). Add, update, and sync operations create or modify submodule references.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Supports list (default), add, update, sync, and deinit actions.' The add, update, sync, and deinit operations modify git repository state by adding, updating, synchronizing, or removing submodule references.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

submodule Rate-limited

submodule 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": {
    "submodule": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "submodule_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Python, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about submodule

What does the submodule tool do? +

Manages git submodules. Supports list (default), add, update, sync, and deinit actions. List returns structured submodule data with path, SHA, branch, and status. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Python MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on submodule? +

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

What risk level is submodule? +

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

Can I rate-limit submodule? +

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

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

submodule is provided by the Python MCP server (Dave-London/Pare). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.