reorder_elements · Whiteboard MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What reorder_elements does on Whiteboard

AI agents use reorder_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 reorder_elements needs a policy

The tool modifies the z-order (layering) of Excalidraw diagram elements, which is a reversible write operation. It does not delete data (Destructive), execute arbitrary code (Execute), create financial obligations (Financial), or merely read data (Read).

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Change z-order (layer) of elements', which modifies the visual layering/stacking order of diagram elements. This is a reversible modification to diagram state.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

reorder_elements Rate-limited

reorder_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": {
    "reorder_elements": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "reorder_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 reorder_elements

What does the reorder_elements tool do? +

Change z-order (layer) of elements. 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 reorder_elements? +

Register the Whiteboard MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for reorder_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 reorder_elements? +

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

Can I rate-limit reorder_elements? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the reorder_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 reorder_elements completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for reorder_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 reorder_elements? +

reorder_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.