save_mxd_as · Arcmap MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What save_mxd_as does on Arcmap

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why save_mxd_as needs a policy

This tool creates or duplicates a file (ArcMap document) in a specified output location. File creation/duplication is a Write operation—it modifies the filesystem reversibly and does not delete or irreversibly alter existing data. The 'as' pattern and preservation of the original document confirm this is non-destructive duplication.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'save_mxd_as' and description 'Guarda una COPIA del .mxd en `salida`' (saves a copy of the .mxd to output) indicates creating/writing a new file.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

save_mxd_as Rate-limited

save_mxd_as 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": {
    "save_mxd_as": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "save_mxd_as_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 Arcmap, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about save_mxd_as

What does the save_mxd_as tool do? +

Guarda una COPIA del .mxd en salida (no cambia el documento activo ni su ruta). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Arcmap MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on save_mxd_as? +

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

What risk level is save_mxd_as? +

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

Can I rate-limit save_mxd_as? +

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

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

save_mxd_as is provided by the Arcmap MCP server (pedralcg/arcmap-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.