align_elements · Whiteboard MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What align_elements does on Whiteboard

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why align_elements needs a policy

This is a reversible canvas modification tool that changes element positions/layout properties without executing code or destroying data. It fits the Write category (modifies data reversibly). Severity is low because misalignment of diagram elements has minimal blast radius and is easily corrected by re-alignment or undo operations. High confidence due to clear functional description.

From the tool's definition Tool description indicates alignment of elements modifies their position/properties on the canvas: 'Align multiple elements to a shared edge or centre' with specification of axes (x, y) affected.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

align_elements Rate-limited

align_elements 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": {
    "align_elements": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "align_elements_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 Whiteboard, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about align_elements

What does the align_elements tool do? +

Align multiple elements to a shared edge or centre. left / right / center act on x; top / bottom / middle act on y. The orthogonal axis is left untouched so align_left + distribute_vertical can be chained. Needs ≥ 2 elements. All-or-nothing on missing ids. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Whiteboard MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on align_elements? +

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

What risk level is align_elements? +

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

Can I rate-limit align_elements? +

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

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

align_elements is provided by the Whiteboard MCP server (kamiazya/whiteboard). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.