remove_traces
AI agents call remove_traces to permanently remove resources in Kicad — typically in cleanup and lifecycle workflows. It does its job in a single call, and there is no undo.
This tool removes PCB traces, which is an irreversible destructive action on electronic design files. Once traces are deleted, they must be manually redrawn. The blast radius is high because accidental or malicious removal of critical traces could render a PCB design non-functional.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'remove_traces' indicates deletion of traces from KiCad PCB designs. In the context of sibling tools that perform reversible additions (add_copper_zone, add_pcb_line, add_label, etc.), this tool performs the inverse irreversible operation.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
remove_traces. It is categorised as a Destructive tool in the Kicad MCP Server, which means it can permanently delete or destroy data. Block by default and require explicit approval.
Register the Kicad MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for remove_traces: 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.
remove_traces is a Destructive tool with critical risk. Critical-risk tools should be blocked by default and only enabled with explicit human approval.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the remove_traces 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for remove_traces. 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.
remove_traces 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.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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