set_avatar · Basis MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_avatar does on Basis MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_avatar needs a policy

The operation creates or modifies data (setting a profile avatar) without permanent deletion or financial impact. While it involves file upload and profile modification, these are standard reversible write operations. No code execution, destruction, or financial transaction occurs. Severity is low because avatar changes are cosmetic and have minimal blast radius if misused by an AI agent.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Upload image and set as profile avatar in one step.' This is a write operation that modifies user profile data (the avatar field) but is fully reversible—users can change their avatar again at any time.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_avatar Rate-limited

set_avatar 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_avatar": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_avatar_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 Basis MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_avatar

What does the set_avatar tool do? +

Upload image and set as profile avatar in one step. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Basis 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 set_avatar? +

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

What risk level is set_avatar? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_avatar? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the set_avatar 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_avatar completely? +

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

set_avatar is provided by the Basis MCP Server MCP server (launch-on-basis/mcp-ts). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.