refactor_code · MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What refactor_code does on MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why refactor_code needs a policy

Refactoring modifies existing source code files in place according to provided instructions. This is a Write operation as it alters file contents, though it is generally reversible via version control. The severity is high because an AI agent could make sweeping, unintended changes to source files across a codebase if misused or given broad instructions.

From the tool's definition Refatora um arquivo de código conforme instruções (Refactors a code file according to instructions)

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

refactor_code Rate-limited

refactor_code 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": {
    "refactor_code": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "refactor_code_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 MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about refactor_code

What does the refactor_code tool do? +

Refatora um arquivo de código conforme instruções. It is categorised as a Write tool in the 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 refactor_code? +

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

What risk level is refactor_code? +

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

Can I rate-limit refactor_code? +

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

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

refactor_code is provided by the MCP Server MCP server (kelvis-santos/mcp-vscode-examples). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.