update_role · Defined MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_role does on Defined

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_role needs a policy

This tool modifies (rather than deletes) role definitions in a network infrastructure management system. Role updates can affect access permissions and network behavior but are reversible via subsequent updates. The impact is significant in a network administration context (high severity), but it is a Write operation rather than Destructive since changes can be undone.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'update_role' indicates modification of role configurations. Sibling tools like 'create_role', 'add_firewall_rule', 'add_tag_config_override', and 'block_host' confirm this server manages access control and network permissions.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_role Rate-limited

update_role 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_role": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_role_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 Defined, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_role

What does the update_role tool do? +

update_role. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Defined 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_role? +

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

What risk level is update_role? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_role? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_role 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_role completely? +

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

update_role is provided by the Defined MCP server (quickvm/defined-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.