xcode_add_spm_package · Xcode MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What xcode_add_spm_package does on Xcode

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why xcode_add_spm_package needs a policy

Adding an SPM dependency modifies the project's package manifest (Package.swift or Xcode project file) to include a new external dependency. This is a Write action because it creates/modifies data reversibly—dependencies can be removed. However, severity is medium rather than low because a malicious actor could inject compromised packages, leading to supply chain risks and code execution via the dependency.

From the tool's definition The tool "add" and description "Add a Swift Package Manager dependency" indicate it modifies the project configuration by introducing a new dependency.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

xcode_add_spm_package Rate-limited

xcode_add_spm_package 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": {
    "xcode_add_spm_package": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "xcode_add_spm_package_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 Xcode, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about xcode_add_spm_package

What does the xcode_add_spm_package tool do? +

Add a Swift Package Manager dependency to the project. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Xcode MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on xcode_add_spm_package? +

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

What risk level is xcode_add_spm_package? +

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

Can I rate-limit xcode_add_spm_package? +

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

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

xcode_add_spm_package is provided by the Xcode MCP server (raunaksplanet/xcode-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.