update-element · Mcp Dev MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update-element does on Mcp Dev

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update-element needs a policy

This tool modifies data in an Umbraco CMS by updating/replacing elements. It is reversible (data can be updated again), so it falls under Write rather than Destructive. The 'replace the element' language and warnings about being a last resort suggest broad impact on element data.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'update-element' and description states 'Updates an element by Id' and 'when you must replace the element'.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update-element Rate-limited

update-element 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": {
    "update-element": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update-element_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 Dev, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update-element

What does the update-element tool do? +

Updates an element by Id. USE AS LAST RESORT ONLY. IMPORTANT: Prefer update-element-properties for changing individual property values — it is simpler and safer because it preserves everything else. Only use this tool when you must replace the element. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mcp Dev MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on update-element? +

Register the Mcp Dev MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update-element: 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 Dev. Nothing to install.

What risk level is update-element? +

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

Can I rate-limit update-element? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update-element 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 update-element completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for update-element. 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 update-element? +

update-element is provided by the Mcp Dev MCP server (@umbraco-cms/mcp-dev). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.