generate_pdf · PageShot MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What generate_pdf does on PageShot MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why generate_pdf needs a policy

This tool creates and generates new data artifacts (PDF files) without permanently destroying existing data. It is reversible—generated PDFs can be deleted or regenerated. While it could be misused to generate malicious documents or spam, the blast radius is limited to unauthorized PDF creation rather than data deletion or financial transactions.

From the tool's definition Tool 'generate_pdf' creates a PDF document by converting webpage content. The description states it "Convert[s] a webpage URL or raw HTML to a PDF document" and "Returns PDF as base64," indicating file generation and storage of new content.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

generate_pdf Rate-limited

generate_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": {
    "generate_pdf": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "generate_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 PageShot MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about generate_pdf

What does the generate_pdf tool do? +

Convert a webpage URL or raw HTML to a PDF document. Supports page size, orientation, margins, and background printing. Returns PDF as base64. It is categorised as a Write tool in the PageShot 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 generate_pdf? +

Register the PageShot MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for generate_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 PageShot MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is generate_pdf? +

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

Can I rate-limit generate_pdf? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the generate_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 generate_pdf completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for generate_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 generate_pdf? +

generate_pdf is provided by the PageShot MCP server (pageshot-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.