set_data_directory · Mcp Network Analyzer MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_data_directory does on Mcp Network Analyzer

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_data_directory needs a policy

This tool modifies system configuration (the data storage directory) and persists that change to a .env file for future sessions. While not destructive (old data is not deleted), it is a Write operation that changes operational state.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Updates the directory where captures and analyses are stored' and 'is persisted to .env for future server restarts.' This is a configuration modification that affects where sensitive network traffic data is written and stored.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_data_directory Rate-limited

set_data_directory 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": {
    "set_data_directory": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_data_directory_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 Network Analyzer, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_data_directory

What does the set_data_directory tool do? +

Updates the directory where captures and analyses are stored. Takes effect immediately for new operations and is persisted to .env for future server restarts. Existing data in the previous directory is not moved. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mcp Network Analyzer MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on set_data_directory? +

Register the Mcp Network Analyzer MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_data_directory: 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 Network Analyzer. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_data_directory? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_data_directory? +

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

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

set_data_directory is provided by the Mcp Network Analyzer MCP server (kylebrodeur/mcp-network-analyzer). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.