update_documentation_index · Whoosh RAG MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_documentation_index does on Whoosh RAG MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_documentation_index needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies indexed documentation data in a reversible manner. It rebuilds the index rather than deleting it, making it a Write operation. Severity is medium because a malicious rebuild could poison search results or cause availability disruption, but the operation is theoretically reversible by rebuilding again with correct data.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Update the existing documentation index' and 'performs a full rebuild', which modifies the indexed data store.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_documentation_index Rate-limited

update_documentation_index 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_documentation_index": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_documentation_index_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 Whoosh RAG MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_documentation_index

What does the update_documentation_index tool do? +

Update the existing documentation index. Currently performs a full rebuild. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Whoosh RAG MCP 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_documentation_index? +

Register the Whoosh RAG MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_documentation_index: 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 Whoosh RAG MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is update_documentation_index? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_documentation_index? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_documentation_index 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_documentation_index completely? +

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

update_documentation_index is provided by the Whoosh RAG MCP server (jianlins/whoosh_rag_mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.