import_arms · Redcap MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What import_arms does on Redcap

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why import_arms needs a policy

import_arms likely creates or modifies study arms within a REDCap project, which is a reversible Write operation. It does not delete data (Destructive), execute arbitrary code (Execute), or involve financial transactions (Financial). While the description is empty, the tool name and server context (research data management) strongly suggest arm insertion/creation rather than querying or deletion.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'import_arms' suggests creating or adding study arms to a REDCap project. REDCap arms are structural study design elements that define study branches or cohorts.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

import_arms Rate-limited

import_arms 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": {
    "import_arms": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "import_arms_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 Redcap, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about import_arms

What does the import_arms tool do? +

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

How do I enforce a policy on import_arms? +

Register the Redcap MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for import_arms: 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 Redcap. Nothing to install.

What risk level is import_arms? +

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

Can I rate-limit import_arms? +

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

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

import_arms is provided by the Redcap MCP server (msicilia/mcp-server-redcap). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.