update_features · QGIS MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_features does on QGIS MCP

AI agents use update_features 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 update_features needs a policy

This tool modifies existing GIS feature data (attributes/properties) without deleting or destroying features. Updates are reversible—attributes can be changed back to previous values. It does not execute arbitrary code, trigger financial transactions, or cause irreversible deletion.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Update feature attributes' with syntax showing modification of existing features by field identifier (fid) and attribute key-value pairs. The term 'update' is explicitly used, indicating reversible modification of data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_features Rate-limited

update_features 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_features": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_features_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 update_features

What does the update_features tool do? +

Update feature attributes. updates: [{fid: 1, attributes: {field: value}}]. 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 update_features? +

Register the QGIS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_features: 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 update_features? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_features? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_features 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_features completely? +

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

update_features 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.