export_positions · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What export_positions does on Kicad

AI agents use export_positions 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_positions needs a policy

This tool generates an export file (pick-and-place data) used by manufacturing equipment. It creates new output data but does not modify the schematic, PCB design, or library data—it is a read-based export operation that produces a derivative file. The severity is low because exporting position data cannot damage the design or cause destructive side effects; the operation is reversible and non-destructive.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'export_positions' and description 'Export component position file (pick and place)' indicate file creation/output generation without modifying the underlying design data or deleting anything.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

export_positions Rate-limited

export_positions 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_positions": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "export_positions_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_positions

What does the export_positions tool do? +

Export component position file (pick and place). 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_positions? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit export_positions? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the export_positions 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_positions completely? +

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

export_positions 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.