generate_patch · Synthlab MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What generate_patch does on Synthlab

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why generate_patch needs a policy

This tool creates new files (Pure Data patches) which are reversible outputs. It does not execute code, delete data, or move money. While generated patches could theoretically be malicious audio synthesis code, the tool itself is generative/creative rather than directly executable.

From the tool's definition Tool generates and creates a Pure Data .pd file from a JSON specification. The description uses 'generate' and 'from', indicating file creation/synthesis.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

generate_patch Rate-limited

generate_patch 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": {
    "generate_patch": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "generate_patch_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 Synthlab, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about generate_patch

What does the generate_patch tool do? +

Generate a valid Pure Data .pd file from a JSON specification of nodes and connections. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Synthlab MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on generate_patch? +

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

What risk level is generate_patch? +

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

Can I rate-limit generate_patch? +

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

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

generate_patch is provided by the Synthlab MCP server (j0kz/synthlab-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.