update_mcp · Planning Game MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_mcp does on Planning Game

AI agents invoke update_mcp to trigger actions in Planning Game. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_mcp needs a policy

This tool runs a git pull operation on the server, which is an external shell/system operation that modifies the running server's codebase. It constitutes code execution and system modification. The 'requires session restart' indicates it affects the running process. While it could be considered Write, the execution of git commands and system-level effects (server restart) make Execute the most appropriate category.

From the tool's definition 'Update MCP server to latest version (git pull). Requires session restart after update.'

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_mcp Rate-limited

update_mcp stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "update_mcp": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_mcp_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

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

FAQ

Questions about update_mcp

What does the update_mcp tool do? +

Update MCP server to latest version (git pull). Requires session restart after update. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Planning Game MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on update_mcp? +

Register the Planning Game MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_mcp: 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 Planning Game. Nothing to install.

What risk level is update_mcp? +

update_mcp is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit update_mcp? +

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

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

update_mcp is provided by the Planning Game MCP server (planning-game-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.