import_scene · Excalidraw MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What import_scene does on Excalidraw MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why import_scene needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies the canvas state by importing elements, making it a Write operation. It is not Read (does not merely retrieve data), not Execute (does not run arbitrary code or commands), not Destructive (the import can be undone via undo or canvas clearing), and not Financial.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Import elements from a .excalidraw JSON file or raw JSON data,' which adds/modifies the canvas by loading external elements.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

import_scene Rate-limited

import_scene 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": {
    "import_scene": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "import_scene_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 Excalidraw MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about import_scene

What does the import_scene tool do? +

Import elements from a .excalidraw JSON file or raw JSON data. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Excalidraw 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 import_scene? +

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

What risk level is import_scene? +

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

Can I rate-limit import_scene? +

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

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

import_scene is provided by the Excalidraw MCP Server MCP server (kakacoding1/mcp_excalidraw). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.