alfred_patch_skill · Alfred MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What alfred_patch_skill does on Alfred MCP Server

AI agents use alfred_patch_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_patch_skill needs a policy

The tool modifies (patches) skill configurations, which is a reversible write operation. Although it affects automation workflows that could have operational impact, the action itself is updatable and not irreversible.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'alfred_patch_skill' with description 'Partially update a skill - only provided fields will be modified' indicates modification of existing automation skill definitions.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

alfred_patch_skill Rate-limited

alfred_patch_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_patch_skill": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "alfred_patch_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_patch_skill

What does the alfred_patch_skill tool do? +

Partially update a skill - only provided fields will be modified. 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_patch_skill? +

Register the Alfred MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for alfred_patch_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_patch_skill? +

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

Can I rate-limit alfred_patch_skill? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the alfred_patch_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_patch_skill completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for alfred_patch_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_patch_skill? +

alfred_patch_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.