refresh_registry · Claude Iac MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What refresh_registry does on Claude Iac

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why refresh_registry needs a policy

This tool modifies the runtime state of the registry by reloading data from disk. While it doesn't create new resources in the traditional sense, it updates the in-memory registry state, making it a Write operation. Severity is medium because misuse could corrupt the registry view or cause stale/incorrect module recommendations to agents, but the effect is reversible (another reload can restore consistency).

From the tool's definition Tool performs 'Reload the module registry and standards from disk' — a state modification operation that refreshes in-memory data structures from persistent storage, constituting a write/update action.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

refresh_registry Rate-limited

refresh_registry 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": {
    "refresh_registry": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "refresh_registry_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 Claude Iac, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about refresh_registry

What does the refresh_registry tool do? +

Reload the module registry and standards from disk (after a catalog update). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Claude Iac MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on refresh_registry? +

Register the Claude Iac MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for refresh_registry: 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 Claude Iac. Nothing to install.

What risk level is refresh_registry? +

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

Can I rate-limit refresh_registry? +

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

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

refresh_registry is provided by the Claude Iac MCP server (net9876/claude-iac-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.