duplicate_sheet · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What duplicate_sheet does on Kicad

AI agents use duplicate_sheet 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 duplicate_sheet needs a policy

Duplicating a sheet in KiCad creates new design content (reversible via undo). While not destructive or financial, it modifies the project state and could impact design if misused by an agent (e.g., creating unwanted duplicates). Classified as Write rather than Execute because it performs a specific design operation, not arbitrary code execution.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'duplicate_sheet' indicates creation/replication of design elements. Empty description limits specificity, but context from sibling tools (add_*, add_hierarchical_sheet) and server purpose (PCB/schematic automation with read/write capabilities)…

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

duplicate_sheet Rate-limited

duplicate_sheet 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": {
    "duplicate_sheet": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "duplicate_sheet_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 duplicate_sheet

What does the duplicate_sheet tool do? +

duplicate_sheet. 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 duplicate_sheet? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit duplicate_sheet? +

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

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

duplicate_sheet 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.