unifi_create_backup
Create a new backup of the controller configuration.
This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-sirkirby-unifi-access-mcp/unifi-create-backup.md
What unifi_create_backup does on UniFi Access MCP
AI agents use unifi_create_backup to create or update resources in UniFi Access MCP, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your UniFi Access MCP environment.
Why unifi_create_backup is rated Medium
Creating a backup is a reversible write operation that generates a new configuration snapshot. It does not delete, modify existing data irreversibly, execute arbitrary code, or involve financial transactions. The impact is limited to storage of configuration data. Severity is low because backups are typically non-disruptive operations with minimal blast radius if misused by an agent.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Create a new backup of the controller configuration.' The word 'Create' indicates a write operation that produces a new data artifact (a backup file) without destructive or irreversible consequences.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs unifi_create_backup safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and UniFi Access MCP, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For unifi_create_backup, this is the rule to start with:
unifi_create_backup 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 UniFi Access MCP, apply this rule, and every unifi_create_backup call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about unifi_create_backup
Create a new backup of the controller configuration. It is categorised as a Write tool in the UniFi Access MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the UniFi Access MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for unifi_create_backup: 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 UniFi Access MCP. Nothing to install.
unifi_create_backup 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 unifi_create_backup 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 unifi_create_backup. 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.
unifi_create_backup is provided by the UniFi Access MCP server (pypi:unifi-protect-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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