create_makefile · MCP Developer Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_makefile does on MCP Developer Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_makefile needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies files (Write category) rather than executing commands directly. The severity is medium because a maliciously crafted Makefile could potentially define harmful build targets, but the actual harm only materializes if someone executes the generated Makefile.

From the tool's definition Tool is described as 'Generate a Makefile for common project tasks', which indicates creation of a new file artifact. Makefile generation is a file creation/write operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_makefile Rate-limited

create_makefile 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": {
    "create_makefile": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_makefile_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 Developer Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_makefile

What does the create_makefile tool do? +

Generate a Makefile for common project tasks. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Developer 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 create_makefile? +

Register the MCP Developer Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_makefile: 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 Developer Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_makefile? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_makefile? +

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

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

create_makefile is provided by the MCP Developer Server MCP server (ra86-dev/mcpdev-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.