alfred_update_skill · Alfred MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What alfred_update_skill does on Alfred MCP Server

AI agents use alfred_update_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_update_skill needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly (Write category). It updates an existing skill, which is reversible - the previous version can be restored or the skill can be modified again.

From the tool's definition Tool name contains 'update' and description states 'Update a skill with a complete replacement', indicating modification of existing data. In the context of workflow automation (per server description), updating a skill could alter automation behavior.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

alfred_update_skill Rate-limited

alfred_update_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_update_skill": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "alfred_update_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_update_skill

What does the alfred_update_skill tool do? +

Update a skill with a complete replacement (all fields should be provided). 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_update_skill? +

Register the Alfred MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for alfred_update_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_update_skill? +

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

Can I rate-limit alfred_update_skill? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the alfred_update_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_update_skill completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for alfred_update_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_update_skill? +

alfred_update_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.