export_netlist · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What export_netlist does on Kicad

AI agents use export_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_netlist needs a policy

Exporting a netlist writes a new file to the filesystem. It does not delete or overwrite existing design data irreversibly, nor does it execute code or involve financial operations. It creates/generates output files, placing it in the Write category. Severity is medium because it could overwrite existing netlist files, though the source schematic data remains intact.

From the tool's definition Export schematic netlist in KiCad XML or KiCad net format

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

export_netlist Rate-limited

export_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_netlist": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "export_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_netlist

What does the export_netlist tool do? +

Export schematic netlist in KiCad XML or KiCad net format. 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_netlist? +

Register the Kicad MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for export_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_netlist? +

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

Can I rate-limit export_netlist? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the export_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_netlist completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for export_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_netlist? +

export_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.