add_method · Ast Editor MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_method does on Ast Editor

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_method needs a policy

The tool adds a method to code structures—a reversible write operation that creates new code without deletion. While the empty description reduces certainty slightly, the consistent pattern across sibling 'add_*' tools and the server's documented purpose of surgical structural edits strongly indicates this modifies code reversibly rather than destructively or executing arbitrary operations.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_method' with sibling tools showing reversible structural modifications (add_field, add_import, add_parameter, add_top_level, append_to_array). Server description indicates 'structural edits' and 'byte-correct edits'.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_method Rate-limited

add_method 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": {
    "add_method": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_method_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 Ast Editor, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_method

What does the add_method tool do? +

add_method. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Ast Editor MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_method? +

Register the Ast Editor MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_method: 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 Ast Editor. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_method? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_method? +

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

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

add_method is provided by the Ast Editor MCP server (kambleakash0/ast-editor). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.