upgrade_footprint_lib · Kicad MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What upgrade_footprint_lib does on Kicad

AI agents use upgrade_footprint_lib 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 upgrade_footprint_lib needs a policy

This tool modifies library files but does not delete data or cause irreversible harm. Format upgrades are write operations that alter existing structures. While it affects design assets, the changes are generally reversible (backups exist, or files can be reverted to prior versions).

From the tool's definition The tool name 'upgrade_footprint_lib' and description 'Upgrade a footprint library to current KiCad format' indicate modification of existing library data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

upgrade_footprint_lib Rate-limited

upgrade_footprint_lib 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": {
    "upgrade_footprint_lib": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "upgrade_footprint_lib_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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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 upgrade_footprint_lib

What does the upgrade_footprint_lib tool do? +

Upgrade a footprint library to current KiCad format. 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 upgrade_footprint_lib? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit upgrade_footprint_lib? +

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

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

upgrade_footprint_lib 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.