unifi_create_backup · UniFi MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What unifi_create_backup does on UniFi MCP Server

AI agents use unifi_create_backup to create or update resources in UniFi MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your UniFi MCP Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why unifi_create_backup needs a policy

Creating a backup is a write operation—it generates new data (a backup file) without directly modifying or destructively altering existing network configuration. While backups are valuable for recovery, the act of creating one is not destructive.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'unifi_create_backup' and description 'Create controller backup' indicate creation of a backup artifact. Backups are reversible write operations that store data but do not modify production state.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

unifi_create_backup Rate-limited

unifi_create_backup 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": {
    "unifi_create_backup": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "unifi_create_backup_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 UniFi MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about unifi_create_backup

What does the unifi_create_backup tool do? +

Create controller backup. It is categorised as a Write tool in the UniFi MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on unifi_create_backup? +

Register the UniFi MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for unifi_create_backup: 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 UniFi MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is unifi_create_backup? +

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

Can I rate-limit unifi_create_backup? +

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

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

unifi_create_backup is provided by the UniFi MCP Server MCP server (mjrestivo16/mcp-unifi). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.