update_variable · Qontinui Web MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_variable does on Qontinui Web MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_variable needs a policy

This is a Write operation—it modifies workflow variables, which are typically configuration or state data within the Qontinui automation framework. Updates are generally reversible (unlike deletion) and do not execute external commands or move money.

From the tool's definition 'Update a workflow variable' describes modifying stored configuration data within a workflow automation system. The tool name 'update_variable' and description indicate reversible changes to workflow state or parameters.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_variable Rate-limited

update_variable 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": {
    "update_variable": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_variable_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 Qontinui Web MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_variable

What does the update_variable tool do? +

Update a workflow variable. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Qontinui Web MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on update_variable? +

Register the Qontinui Web MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_variable: 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 Qontinui Web MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is update_variable? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_variable? +

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

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

update_variable is provided by the Qontinui Web MCP Server MCP server (qontinui/qontinui-web-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

// THE FULL RECORD

update_variable is one line of Qontinui Web MCP Server's registry record.

The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.

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