connect_pins · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What connect_pins does on Kicad

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why connect_pins needs a policy

Connecting pins is a reversible modification operation that creates electrical connections in a circuit design. This is Write-category functionality (modifies design data reversibly). Severity is medium because misuse could corrupt circuit designs but is typically recoverable via undo.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'connect_pins' and sibling tools like 'add_copper_zone', 'add_label', 'add_lib_symbol' all modify KiCad designs.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

connect_pins Rate-limited

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

FAQ

Questions about connect_pins

What does the connect_pins tool do? +

connect_pins. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Kicad MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on connect_pins? +

Register the Kicad MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for connect_pins: 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 connect_pins? +

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

Can I rate-limit connect_pins? +

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

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

connect_pins 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.