set_version_constraints

THE RISK

Medium Risk

Why set_version_constraints needs a policy

This tool modifies dependency configuration rules rather than destructively deleting data or executing arbitrary code. The changes are reversible (rules can be reconfigured), making it a Write operation. Severity is medium rather than high because misconfigured version constraints could lead to dependency conflicts or unintended upgrades, but the effects are limited to package metadata and can be corrected.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'set_version_constraints' and description 'Configure version upgrade rules for dependencies' indicate modification of project configuration/metadata. This creates or modifies version constraint rules in package configuration files (package.json, etc.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access set_version_constraints gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control set_version_constraints

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and NPM Helper MCP, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for set_version_constraints:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "set_version_constraints": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_version_constraints_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

set_version_constraints 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.

Create a free account and register NPM Helper MCP — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More NPM Helper MCP tools

Execute run_doctor Iteratively install upgrades and run tests Execute filter_updates Check/upgrade updates for specific packages Write upgrade_packages Upgrade dependencies in package.json Write resolve_conflicts Handle dependency conflicts (uses Read check_updates Scan package.json for outdated dependencies Read fetch_package_content Fetch detailed content from an npm package page URL Read get_package_details Get detailed information about an npm package Read get_package_versions Get available versions for an npm package

All 10 NPM Helper MCP tools →

Write tools on other servers

M-Team MCP Server download_torrent YouTube MCP Server generate_video_title Android Forensics ADB MCP Server combine_reports 0xarchive web3_signup

Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Argument validation → Checking tool call arguments against schema and policy before they run.
Scoped token → Per-person credentials that grant a defined subset of servers and tools.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about set_version_constraints

What does the set_version_constraints tool do? +

Configure version upgrade rules for dependencies. It is categorised as a Write tool in the NPM Helper 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 set_version_constraints? +

Register the NPM Helper MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_version_constraints: 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 NPM Helper MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_version_constraints? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_version_constraints? +

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

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

set_version_constraints is provided by the NPM Helper MCP server (pinkpixel-dev/npm-helper-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every NPM Helper MCP tool call.

Start from NPM Helper MCP, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →