set_workflow_alias · NGS360 MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_workflow_alias does on NGS360 MCP Server

AI agents use set_workflow_alias to create or update resources in NGS360 MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your NGS360 MCP Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_workflow_alias needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies an alias mapping for a workflow version (e.g., tagging a version as 'production'). This is a reversible write operation that could have downstream effects if a production alias is redirected to an untested workflow version, potentially causing bioinformatics pipeline failures.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Set or update a workflow version alias', which modifies metadata associated with a workflow without irreversibly deleting data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_workflow_alias Rate-limited

set_workflow_alias 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": {
    "set_workflow_alias": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_workflow_alias_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 NGS360 MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_workflow_alias

What does the set_workflow_alias tool do? +

Set or update a workflow version alias (e.g., 'production'). It is categorised as a Write tool in the NGS360 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 set_workflow_alias? +

Register the NGS360 MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_workflow_alias: 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 NGS360 MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_workflow_alias? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_workflow_alias? +

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

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

set_workflow_alias is provided by the NGS360 MCP Server MCP server (ngs360/mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.