github_skills_install_skill · Agent Skills MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What github_skills_install_skill does on Agent Skills MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why github_skills_install_skill needs a policy

The tool downloads and installs code/skill files locally, which is a Write operation that creates new data artifacts on the user's system. While it does not execute the skill code itself (that would be Execute), the installation modifies the local filesystem state.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Download a skill directory from GitHub into a local folder' — this creates or modifies local filesystem state by introducing new files/directories from an external source.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

github_skills_install_skill Rate-limited

github_skills_install_skill 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": {
    "github_skills_install_skill": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "github_skills_install_skill_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 Agent Skills MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about github_skills_install_skill

What does the github_skills_install_skill tool do? +

Download a skill directory from GitHub into a local folder. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Agent Skills 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 github_skills_install_skill? +

Register the Agent Skills MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for github_skills_install_skill: 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 Agent Skills MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is github_skills_install_skill? +

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

Can I rate-limit github_skills_install_skill? +

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

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

github_skills_install_skill is provided by the Agent Skills MCP server (pinkpixel-dev/agentskills-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.