update_module_context · Open Context MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_module_context does on Open Context

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_module_context needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly—it updates module documentation/context within a codebase. Updates to project documentation can be undone or reverted, making it Write rather than Destructive. The severity is medium because unintended updates to project documentation could confuse developers or introduce errors, but the impact is limited to a single module's metadata and is reversible.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'update_module_context' and description 'Update a module' clearly indicate modification of existing data. The server context describes it as part of a system that 'read, search, and update project documentation via MCP', confirming write capability.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_module_context Rate-limited

update_module_context 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": {
    "update_module_context": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_module_context_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 Open Context, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_module_context

What does the update_module_context tool do? +

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

How do I enforce a policy on update_module_context? +

Register the Open Context MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_module_context: 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 Open Context. Nothing to install.

What risk level is update_module_context? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_module_context? +

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

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

update_module_context is provided by the Open Context MCP server (niawjunior/opencontext). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.