patch_item · NeuronSearchLab MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What patch_item does on NeuronSearchLab

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why patch_item needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data in a reversible manner, fitting the Write category. It has medium severity because partial updates to catalogue items could affect recommendations, user experience, or data integrity if misused by an agent, but the changes are not irreversible (Destructive) or financial in nature. Confidence is high given the clear semantic meaning of 'patch' and 'update' in API terminology.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'patch_item' with description 'Partially update an existing item' indicates modifying existing data. The PATCH HTTP verb semantics show this is a reversible update operation, not deletion or financial transaction.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

patch_item Rate-limited

patch_item 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": {
    "patch_item": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "patch_item_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 NeuronSearchLab, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about patch_item

What does the patch_item tool do? +

Partially update an existing item. It is categorised as a Write tool in the NeuronSearchLab MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on patch_item? +

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

What risk level is patch_item? +

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

Can I rate-limit patch_item? +

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

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

patch_item is provided by the NeuronSearchLab MCP server (neuronsearchlab/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.