set_status · Mcp Switchboard MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_status does on Mcp Switchboard

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_status needs a policy

This is a Write operation: it creates or updates agent status metadata in the switchboard's awareness layer. The effect is reversible and has no side effects beyond recording the agent's self-reported state. It does not execute code, delete data, move funds, or trigger external operations.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'set_status' and description indicate it modifies agent status/awareness metadata via self-report ('Self-report current activity').

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_status Rate-limited

set_status 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": {
    "set_status": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_status_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 Mcp Switchboard, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_status

What does the set_status tool do? +

Self-report current activity (awareness layer), e.g. activity=. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mcp Switchboard MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on set_status? +

Register the Mcp Switchboard MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_status: 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 Mcp Switchboard. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_status? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_status? +

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

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

set_status is provided by the Mcp Switchboard MCP server (jemplayer82/mcp-switchboard). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.