bootstrap · Loom MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What bootstrap does on Loom

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why bootstrap needs a policy

This tool creates new persistent identity records and configuration files for AI agents. It is a Write operation because it generates new data structures that can typically be modified or replaced later. The severity is medium because misconfiguration of an agent identity could affect subsequent sessions and agent behavior, but the operation is reversible (identity can be re-initialized or updated).

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Initialize a new loom identity from scratch' and 'Generates IDENTITY.md, preferences.md' — clearly creates new files/data structures without reversibility constraints explicitly mentioned.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

bootstrap Rate-limited

bootstrap 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": {
    "bootstrap": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "bootstrap_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 Loom, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about bootstrap

What does the bootstrap tool do? +

Initialize a new loom identity from scratch. Generates IDENTITY.md, preferences.md,. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Loom MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on bootstrap? +

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

What risk level is bootstrap? +

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

Can I rate-limit bootstrap? +

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

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

bootstrap is provided by the Loom MCP server (jbarket/loom). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.