add_machine_term · QuickContract MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_machine_term does on QuickContract MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_machine_term needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies contract terms, making it a Write operation. Severity is high because modifying contract terms could alter financial obligations and legal commitments, though it is reversible (contracts can be amended).

From the tool's definition Tool attaches (writes/modifies) machine-readable IF/THEN terms to contracts. Description indicates 'Attach a machine-readable IF/THEN term to a contract,' which is a modification operation on contract data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_machine_term Rate-limited

add_machine_term 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_machine_term": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_machine_term_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 QuickContract MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_machine_term

What does the add_machine_term tool do? +

Attach a machine-readable IF/THEN term to a contract. When the term\. It is categorised as a Write tool in the QuickContract MCP 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_machine_term? +

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

What risk level is add_machine_term? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_machine_term? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_machine_term 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_machine_term completely? +

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

add_machine_term is provided by the QuickContract MCP server (quickcontractio/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.