export_hierarchical_netlist · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What export_hierarchical_netlist does on Kicad

AI agents use export_hierarchical_netlist 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 export_hierarchical_netlist needs a policy

The tool exports data (hierarchical netlist) from a KiCad project, which constitutes a Write operation—it generates or produces an output artifact. While 'export' might suggest read-only querying, in CAD/design contexts, export typically creates new files or representations.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'export_hierarchical_netlist' indicates generation/writing of a netlist export artifact. Context from sibling tools (add_copper_zone, add_pcb_line, add_lib_symbol, etc.) confirms this server modifies KiCad designs.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

export_hierarchical_netlist Rate-limited

export_hierarchical_netlist 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": {
    "export_hierarchical_netlist": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "export_hierarchical_netlist_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 export_hierarchical_netlist

What does the export_hierarchical_netlist tool do? +

export_hierarchical_netlist. 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 export_hierarchical_netlist? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit export_hierarchical_netlist? +

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

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

export_hierarchical_netlist 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.