query_traces

THE RISK

Low Risk

Why query_traces needs a policy

This tool performs read-only operations to retrieve trace information from a KiCAD board design. It accepts filter parameters (net, layer, bounding box) but does not create, modify, delete, or execute any external operations. The action is purely informational retrieval, which is the definition of the Read category.

From the tool's definition Tool name is 'query_traces' and description states it 'Query traces on the board with optional filters by net, layer, or bounding box' — the verb 'query' combined with 'optional filters' indicates data retrieval with no modification or side effects.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access query_traces gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control query_traces

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and KiCAD-MCP-Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for query_traces:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "query_traces": {}
  }
}

query_traces is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

Create a free account and register KiCAD-MCP-Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

CAP THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More KiCAD-MCP-Server tools

Destructive delete_component Remove a component from the PCB by its reference designator. Destructive delete_schematic_component Remove a placed symbol from a KiCAD schematic (.kicad_sch). This removes the symbol insta Destructive delete_schematic_net_label Remove a net label from the schematic. Destructive delete_schematic_wire Remove a wire from the schematic by start and end coordinates. Destructive delete_symbol Remove a symbol from a .kicad_sym library file. Destructive delete_trace Delete traces from the PCB. Can delete by UUID, position, or bulk-delete all traces on a n Destructive remove_schematic_component_property Remove a single custom property from a placed schematic symbol. Built-in fields (Referenc Execute autoroute Run Freerouting autorouter on the current PCB. Exports to Specctra DSN, runs Freerouting C

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Read tools on other servers

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Data exfiltration → How read access becomes an exfiltration channel when chained with untrusted content.
MCP token cost → What connecting this server costs in context-window tokens on every request.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about query_traces

What does the query_traces tool do? +

Query traces on the board with optional filters by net, layer, or bounding box. It is categorised as a Read tool in the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on query_traces? +

Register the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for query_traces: 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 KiCAD-MCP-Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is query_traces? +

query_traces is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit query_traces? +

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

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

query_traces is provided by the KiCAD-MCP-Server MCP server (mixelpixx/kicad-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every KiCAD-MCP-Server tool call.

Start from KiCAD-MCP-Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →