import_file · Redcap MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What import_file does on Redcap

AI agents use import_file 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_file needs a policy

import_file creates or modifies data by uploading/ingesting files into a REDCap instance. This is a reversible write operation (files can be deleted or replaced), not destructive. The empty description reduces confidence slightly, but the tool name and server context clearly indicate data modification rather than mere retrieval.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'import_file' combined with server context for REDCap data management. Description is empty, limiting direct evidence.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

import_file Rate-limited

import_file 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_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "import_file_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_file

What does the import_file tool do? +

import_file. 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_file? +

Register the Redcap MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for import_file: 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_file? +

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

Can I rate-limit import_file? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the import_file 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_file completely? +

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

import_file 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.