update_column · Basecamp MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_column does on Basecamp MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_column needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly by changing a column title. It is a Write-category action rather than Read (no data retrieval), Execute (no code execution), Destructive (the change is reversible), or Financial.

From the tool's definition Tool named 'update_column' with description 'Update a column title' performs a modification operation on existing data (column title) in Basecamp 3.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_column Rate-limited

update_column 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": {
    "update_column": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_column_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 Basecamp MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_column

What does the update_column tool do? +

Update a column title. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Basecamp 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 update_column? +

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

What risk level is update_column? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_column? +

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

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

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