partial_update_catalog_item

THE RISK

Medium Risk

Why partial_update_catalog_item needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly using PATCH semantics, which is the defining characteristic of the Write category. While it modifies catalog items, the update is partial and non-destructive. Severity is medium because unintended updates to marketing catalog data could disrupt campaigns or customer data quality, but the changes are reversible through subsequent updates or restoration.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Partial update (PATCH) a catalog item - updates only specified fields', indicating reversible modification of data without deletion or financial impact.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access partial_update_catalog_item gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control partial_update_catalog_item

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Iterable MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for partial_update_catalog_item:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "partial_update_catalog_item": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "partial_update_catalog_item_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

partial_update_catalog_item 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.

Create a free account and register Iterable MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

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EXPLORE

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All 78 Iterable MCP Server tools →

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Argument validation → Checking tool call arguments against schema and policy before they run.
Scoped token → Per-person credentials that grant a defined subset of servers and tools.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about partial_update_catalog_item

What does the partial_update_catalog_item tool do? +

Partial update (PATCH) a catalog item - updates only specified fields. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Iterable MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on partial_update_catalog_item? +

Register the Iterable MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for partial_update_catalog_item: 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 Iterable MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is partial_update_catalog_item? +

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

Can I rate-limit partial_update_catalog_item? +

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

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

partial_update_catalog_item is provided by the Iterable MCP Server MCP server (iterable/mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Iterable MCP Server tool call.

Start from Iterable MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →