autoroute_pcb · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What autoroute_pcb does on Kicad

AI agents invoke autoroute_pcb to trigger actions in Kicad. 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 autoroute_pcb needs a policy

Autorouting a PCB is an automated process that modifies the board layout by placing copper traces. This is an Execute-level operation as it triggers an external operation (KiCad's autorouter) whose effects depend on the current board state. It could also be considered Write since it modifies the PCB design, but since it triggers an automated external process, Execute is more appropriate.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'autoroute_pcb' suggests automatically routing a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), which triggers an external automated operation in KiCad. Description is empty, lowering confidence.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

autoroute_pcb Rate-limited

autoroute_pcb 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": {
    "autoroute_pcb": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "autoroute_pcb_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 Kicad, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about autoroute_pcb

What does the autoroute_pcb tool do? +

autoroute_pcb. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Kicad MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on autoroute_pcb? +

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

What risk level is autoroute_pcb? +

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

Can I rate-limit autoroute_pcb? +

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

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

autoroute_pcb is provided by the Kicad MCP server (productofamerica/mcp-server-kicad). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.