playbook_write · Quarterback MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What playbook_write does on Quarterback

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why playbook_write needs a policy

The tool creates or modifies wiki pages, which is a classic Write operation. It's reversible (pages can be updated again or reverted), has moderate blast radius if an agent corrupts or overwrites important playbook documentation, but does not delete data irreversibly or trigger external code execution.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Write or update a Playbook wiki page', indicating reversible creation or modification of wiki page data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

playbook_write Rate-limited

playbook_write 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": {
    "playbook_write": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "playbook_write_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 Quarterback, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about playbook_write

What does the playbook_write tool do? +

Write or update a Playbook wiki page. Provide the relative page_path. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Quarterback MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on playbook_write? +

Register the Quarterback MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for playbook_write: 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 Quarterback. Nothing to install.

What risk level is playbook_write? +

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

Can I rate-limit playbook_write? +

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

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

playbook_write is provided by the Quarterback MCP server (bobbyrgoldsmith/quarterback). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.