no_connect_pin · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What no_connect_pin does on Kicad

AI agents use no_connect_pin 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 no_connect_pin needs a policy

This tool modifies schematic design data by adding a no-connect flag to a pin. This is a reversible Write operation (the flag can be removed or modified). It does not delete data (Destructive), execute arbitrary code (Execute), move money (Financial), or merely read data (Read). The impact is localized to a single component pin annotation, making severity medium rather than high.

From the tool's definition Tool places a no-connect flag on a component pin, which modifies the schematic state. The description explicitly indicates an action that creates/adds a marking ('Place a no-connect flag') on the design, changing the schematic structure reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

no_connect_pin Rate-limited

no_connect_pin 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": {
    "no_connect_pin": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "no_connect_pin_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 no_connect_pin

What does the no_connect_pin tool do? +

Place a no-connect flag on a component pin. 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 no_connect_pin? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit no_connect_pin? +

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

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

no_connect_pin 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.