set_badge · Iterm2 MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_badge does on Iterm2

AI agents use set_badge to create or update resources in Iterm2 — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Iterm2 environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_badge needs a policy

Based on the name alone, 'set_badge' likely sets a badge (a text label overlay) on an iTerm2 terminal session or window, which is a reversible modification of display state. Without a description, confidence is low. Given the sibling tools context (managing terminal sessions), this is most likely a Write operation with medium severity since it modifies session appearance but is reversible.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'set_badge' on an iTerm2 MCP server; description is empty and uninformative.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_badge Rate-limited

set_badge 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_badge": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_badge_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 Iterm2, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_badge

What does the set_badge tool do? +

set_badge. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Iterm2 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_badge? +

Register the Iterm2 MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_badge: 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 Iterm2. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_badge? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_badge? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the set_badge 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_badge completely? +

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

set_badge is provided by the Iterm2 MCP server (lorencarvalho/iterm2-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.