update-template · Mcp Dev MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update-template does on Mcp Dev

AI agents use update-template 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-template needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly within an Umbraco CMS system. Templates can be edited, reverted, or restored, making this a Write operation rather than Destructive. The severity is medium because unauthorized template modification could affect website appearance and functionality but is not irreversible or financial in nature.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'update-template' and description 'Updates a template by Id' indicate modification of existing data without deletion or permanent destruction.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update-template Rate-limited

update-template 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-template": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update-template_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-template

What does the update-template tool do? +

Updates a template by Id. 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-template? +

Register the Mcp Dev MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update-template: 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-template? +

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

Can I rate-limit update-template? +

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

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

update-template 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.