adr_update · Mcp Adr MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What adr_update does on Mcp Adr

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why adr_update needs a policy

adr_update modifies existing Architecture Decision Records reversibly; the changes can be undone by subsequent updates or version history. This is a Write operation, not Destructive, because ADRs are typically version-controlled and recoverable.

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states 'Overwrite an existing ADR with new markdown content' — the verb 'overwrite' indicates modification of existing data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

adr_update Rate-limited

adr_update 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": {
    "adr_update": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "adr_update_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 Adr, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about adr_update

What does the adr_update tool do? +

Overwrite an existing ADR with new markdown content. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mcp Adr MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on adr_update? +

Register the Mcp Adr MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for adr_update: 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 Adr. Nothing to install.

What risk level is adr_update? +

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

Can I rate-limit adr_update? +

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

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

adr_update is provided by the Mcp Adr MCP server (mauriziomocci/mcp-adr). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.