show_cartoon · ChimeraX MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What show_cartoon does on ChimeraX MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why show_cartoon needs a policy

This tool modifies the visual representation of a protein structure by enabling the cartoon/ribbon display mode. It changes the state of the visualization (a reversible modification to how the structure is displayed), making it a Write operation. It does not delete data, execute arbitrary code, or have financial implications. The blast radius is low since it only affects the visual rendering within ChimeraX.

From the tool's definition Show ribbon/cartoon representation

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

show_cartoon Rate-limited

show_cartoon 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": {
    "show_cartoon": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "show_cartoon_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 ChimeraX MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about show_cartoon

What does the show_cartoon tool do? +

Show ribbon/cartoon representation. It is categorised as a Write tool in the ChimeraX 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 show_cartoon? +

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

What risk level is show_cartoon? +

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

Can I rate-limit show_cartoon? +

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

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

show_cartoon is provided by the ChimeraX MCP Server MCP server (mahynotch/chimerax-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.