add_time · MCP Time Server Node MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_time does on MCP Time Server Node

AI agents use add_time to create or update resources in MCP Time Server Node — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your MCP Time Server Node environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_time needs a policy

This tool creates new computed date/time values by applying duration offsets to existing timestamps. While it does not persist data to external systems, it generates modified temporal data in memory, fitting the Write category (creates/modifies data reversibly).

From the tool's definition Tool performs date/time arithmetic ('Add duration to a date/time'), which creates or modifies temporal values. The description explicitly states the server enables 'date arithmetic' as a core capability.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_time Rate-limited

add_time 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": {
    "add_time": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_time_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 MCP Time Server Node, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_time

What does the add_time tool do? +

Add duration to a date/time. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Time Server Node MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on add_time? +

Register the MCP Time Server Node MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_time: 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 MCP Time Server Node. Nothing to install.

What risk level is add_time? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_time? +

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

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

add_time is provided by the MCP Time Server Node MCP server (pshempel/mcp-time-server-node). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.