create_spec · Speclib MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_spec does on Speclib

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_spec needs a policy

create_spec adds new technical specification documents to the SpecLib system. This is a reversible write operation (specs can be deleted or modified later). It does not execute code, delete data irreversibly, or move financial resources.

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states 'Create a new spec' with markdown content including frontmatter fields (schema, id, title, version). This is a create operation that adds new data to the SpecLib instance.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_spec Rate-limited

create_spec 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_spec": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_spec_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 Speclib, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_spec

What does the create_spec tool do? +

Create a new spec. Content must be a full frontmatter+body markdown document. The frontmatter must include at minimum: schema (spec/v1), id (dot-separated identifier), title, and version. Requires SPECLIB_API_TOKEN. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Speclib 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_spec? +

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

What risk level is create_spec? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_spec? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_spec 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_spec completely? +

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

create_spec is provided by the Speclib MCP server (rang501/speclib-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.