strings_update_translation · Phrase MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What strings_update_translation does on Phrase

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why strings_update_translation needs a policy

This tool modifies translation content within a project, which is a reversible write operation. It does not delete data (Destructive), execute arbitrary code (Execute), or involve financial transactions (Financial).

From the tool's definition Tool name 'strings_update_translation' and description 'Update an existing translation in a Phrase Strings project' explicitly indicate modification of existing localization data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

strings_update_translation Rate-limited

strings_update_translation 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": {
    "strings_update_translation": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "strings_update_translation_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Phrase, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about strings_update_translation

What does the strings_update_translation tool do? +

Update an existing translation in a Phrase Strings project. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Phrase MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on strings_update_translation? +

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

What risk level is strings_update_translation? +

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

Can I rate-limit strings_update_translation? +

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

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

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