clear_selection · QGIS MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What clear_selection does on QGIS MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why clear_selection needs a policy

Clearing a selection modifies the selection state of a layer (a UI/data state change), but does not delete or irreversibly destroy data. It is reversible since a new selection can be made. This is a minor write/state-change operation with low blast radius.

From the tool's definition Clear the selection on a layer

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

clear_selection Rate-limited

clear_selection 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": {
    "clear_selection": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "clear_selection_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 QGIS MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about clear_selection

What does the clear_selection tool do? +

Clear the selection on a layer. It is categorised as a Write tool in the QGIS MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on clear_selection? +

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

What risk level is clear_selection? +

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

Can I rate-limit clear_selection? +

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

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

clear_selection is provided by the QGIS MCP server (nkarasiak/qgis-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.