upload_pdf · MCP RAG System MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What upload_pdf does on MCP RAG System

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why upload_pdf needs a policy

This tool creates and stores new documents in the system. While reversible (files can be deleted), it modifies the RAG system's state and knowledge base. Risk is medium because an agent could upload large files to exhaust storage, or upload sensitive/malicious PDFs for subsequent retrieval, but the action itself is not destructive and requires no financial or code execution permissions.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Upload and process a PDF file' — this creates new data in the RAG system. Sibling tools include delete_document (Destructive) and search_documents (Read), confirming this server handles document lifecycle management.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

upload_pdf Rate-limited

upload_pdf 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": {
    "upload_pdf": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "upload_pdf_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 MCP RAG System, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about upload_pdf

What does the upload_pdf tool do? +

Upload and process a PDF file for RAG system. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP RAG System MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on upload_pdf? +

Register the MCP RAG System MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for upload_pdf: 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 MCP RAG System. Nothing to install.

What risk level is upload_pdf? +

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

Can I rate-limit upload_pdf? +

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

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

upload_pdf is provided by the MCP RAG System MCP server (nitin-kumar101/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.