create_symbol_library · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_symbol_library does on Kicad

AI agents use create_symbol_library 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 create_symbol_library needs a policy

The tool creates a new symbol library, which is a reversible write operation in KiCad. Library creation does not delete or permanently alter existing data, nor does it execute arbitrary code or commit financial resources. The blast radius is medium—a malicious agent could create many libraries or pollute the design environment, but the operation is non-destructive and reversible by deletion.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_symbol_library' indicates creation of a new library resource. Sibling tools like 'add_lib_symbol' and 'add_pcb_line' establish the Write pattern on this server for KiCad design modification. Description is empty, reducing confidence slightly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_symbol_library Rate-limited

create_symbol_library 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": {
    "create_symbol_library": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_symbol_library_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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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 create_symbol_library

What does the create_symbol_library tool do? +

create_symbol_library. 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 create_symbol_library? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit create_symbol_library? +

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

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

create_symbol_library 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.