backup-database · MCP Firebird MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What backup-database does on MCP Firebird

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why backup-database needs a policy

Creating a backup is a Write operation: it generates a new file or artifact (the backup) but does not alter or destroy the source database. It is not Destructive (source data is preserved), not Execute (no arbitrary code runs), and not Financial. Severity is medium because misuse could expose sensitive database contents or consume significant storage/resources, but the source database remains intact.

From the tool's definition 'Creates a backup of the Firebird database' — this is a read/copy operation that produces a new backup artifact without modifying or deleting existing data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

backup-database Rate-limited

backup-database 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": {
    "backup-database": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "backup-database_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 Firebird, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about backup-database

What does the backup-database tool do? +

Creates a backup of the Firebird database. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Firebird MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on backup-database? +

Register the MCP Firebird MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for backup-database: 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 Firebird. Nothing to install.

What risk level is backup-database? +

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

Can I rate-limit backup-database? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the backup-database 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 backup-database completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for backup-database. 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 backup-database? +

backup-database is provided by the MCP Firebird MCP server (luancamara/mcpfirebird). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.