alfred_create_skill · Alfred MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What alfred_create_skill does on Alfred MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why alfred_create_skill needs a policy

The tool creates reversible data structures (skills with steps, connections, triggers) in the Alfred automation system. While it doesn't directly execute code or delete data, creating automation workflows is a Write operation.

From the tool's definition Tool name includes 'create' and description states 'Create a new skill with steps, connections, and trigger configuration' — this creates new workflow automation objects that can be subsequently executed.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

alfred_create_skill Rate-limited

alfred_create_skill 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": {
    "alfred_create_skill": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "alfred_create_skill_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 Alfred MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about alfred_create_skill

What does the alfred_create_skill tool do? +

Create a new skill with steps, connections, and trigger configuration. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Alfred 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 alfred_create_skill? +

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

What risk level is alfred_create_skill? +

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

Can I rate-limit alfred_create_skill? +

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

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

alfred_create_skill is provided by the Alfred MCP Server MCP server (lumberjack-so/alfred-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.