refresh_library · Steam MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What refresh_library does on Steam

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why refresh_library needs a policy

This tool invalidates/clears a local cache, which is a reversible write operation (cache can be repopulated). It does not delete user data, execute code, or move money. The blast radius is low since misuse only causes a fresh API fetch on the next query, with no meaningful harm.

From the tool's definition Clear the local cache so the next query fetches fresh data from Steam

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

refresh_library Rate-limited

refresh_library 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": {
    "refresh_library": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "refresh_library_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 Steam, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about refresh_library

What does the refresh_library tool do? +

Clear the local cache so the next query fetches fresh data from Steam. Use after buying new games. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Steam MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on refresh_library? +

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

What risk level is refresh_library? +

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

Can I rate-limit refresh_library? +

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

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

refresh_library is provided by the Steam MCP server (jkiley129/steam-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.