install-claude-md · Metalsmith Plugin MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What install-claude-md does on Metalsmith Plugin

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why install-claude-md needs a policy

The tool creates or modifies documentation files (CLAUDE.md) within a plugin repository. This is a Write operation because it reversibly creates/updates data (file content) without deleting data or executing arbitrary code. The 'smart-merge' indicates it preserves existing user customizations, confirming reversibility.

From the tool's definition Tool performs 'Install a CLAUDE.md' and 'Smart-merges...into any existing CLAUDE.md', indicating creation or modification of a file artifact.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

install-claude-md Rate-limited

install-claude-md 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": {
    "install-claude-md": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "install-claude-md_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 Metalsmith Plugin, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about install-claude-md

What does the install-claude-md tool do? +

Install a CLAUDE.md in an existing Metalsmith plugin. Smart-merges the MCP Server Integration section into any existing CLAUDE.md so user customizations survive. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Metalsmith Plugin MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on install-claude-md? +

Register the Metalsmith Plugin MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for install-claude-md: 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 Metalsmith Plugin. Nothing to install.

What risk level is install-claude-md? +

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

Can I rate-limit install-claude-md? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the install-claude-md 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 install-claude-md completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for install-claude-md. 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 install-claude-md? +

install-claude-md is provided by the Metalsmith Plugin MCP server (metalsmith-plugin-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.