move_component · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What move_component does on Kicad

AI agents use move_component 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 move_component needs a policy

This tool modifies the position of an electronic component within a design project, which is a reversible write operation. It changes component coordinates but does not delete data or execute arbitrary code. The severity is medium because incorrect placement could compromise circuit functionality or manufacturability, but the action can be undone.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'move_component' and description 'Move a placed component to a new position' indicates modification of component placement data in a KiCad PCB or schematic design.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

move_component Rate-limited

move_component 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": {
    "move_component": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "move_component_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 move_component

What does the move_component tool do? +

Move a placed component to a new position. 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 move_component? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit move_component? +

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

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

move_component 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.