export_pcb · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What export_pcb does on Kicad

AI agents use export_pcb 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_pcb needs a policy

Export operations typically write data to new files or formats, which is a reversible action (exported files can be deleted or regenerated). While 'export' could potentially involve file system writes, this is categorized as Write rather than Execute because the tool's primary function appears to be data transformation and output generation rather than executing arbitrary code or triggering external processes.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'export_pcb' and server description indicating 'exports' capability. The name suggests outputting/exporting PCB data to an external format or file.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

export_pcb Rate-limited

export_pcb 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_pcb": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "export_pcb_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_pcb

What does the export_pcb tool do? +

export_pcb. 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_pcb? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit export_pcb? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the export_pcb 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_pcb completely? +

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

export_pcb 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.