update-deps · Metalsmith Plugin MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update-deps does on Metalsmith Plugin

AI agents use update-deps 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 update-deps needs a policy

Updating dependencies modifies project configuration and installed packages reversibly (via npm/yarn rollback capability). This is a Write operation—it creates or modifies data without permanent destruction.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Update dependencies in Metalsmith plugin(s) using npm-check-updates' — explicitly performs package dependency updates which modify package.json and lockfiles.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update-deps Rate-limited

update-deps 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-deps": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update-deps_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 update-deps

What does the update-deps tool do? +

Update dependencies in Metalsmith plugin(s) using npm-check-updates. 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 update-deps? +

Register the Metalsmith Plugin MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update-deps: 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 update-deps? +

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

Can I rate-limit update-deps? +

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

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

update-deps 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.