Medium Risk

openspec_update

Update OpenSpec instruction files

Part of the Openspec server.

openspec_update can modify Openspec data, with no limits today. PolicyLayer puts allow, deny, and rate-limit rules on every call. Live in minutes.

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AI agents use openspec_update to create or modify resources in Openspec. Write operations carry medium risk because an autonomous agent could trigger bulk unintended modifications. Rate limits prevent a single agent session from making hundreds of changes in rapid succession. Argument validation ensures the agent passes expected values.

Without a policy, an AI agent could call openspec_update repeatedly, creating or modifying resources faster than any human could review. PolicyLayer's rate limiting ensures write operations happen at a controlled pace, and argument validation catches malformed or unexpected inputs before they reach Openspec.

Write tools can modify data. A rate limit prevents runaway bulk operations from AI agents.

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "openspec_update": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "openspec_update_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

See the full Openspec policy for all 11 tools.

Get this rule live on your own Openspec server in minutes. PolicyLayer enforces it on every call, before it runs.

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access openspec_update gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so openspec_update only ever does what you allow.

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Other write tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: rate-limit and validate the arguments.

What does the openspec_update tool do? +

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

How do I enforce a policy on openspec_update? +

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

What risk level is openspec_update? +

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

Can I rate-limit openspec_update? +

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

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

openspec_update is provided by the Openspec MCP server (@igor-olikh/openspec-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Openspec tool call.

Deterministic rules across all 11 Openspec tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.

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