feature_update · ArcGIS MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What feature_update does on ArcGIS MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why feature_update needs a policy

Feature updates modify spatial/attribute data in feature layers, which are reversible changes (Write category). Severity is high because unauthorized updates to geographic data in ArcGIS can affect decision-making, planning, and operational systems relying on accurate geospatial information.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'feature_update' combined with server context (ArcGIS MCP providing 'feature layer queries/editing') indicates modification of geospatial feature data. Description is empty but naming convention and sibling tools confirm this is a write operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

feature_update Rate-limited

feature_update 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": {
    "feature_update": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "feature_update_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 ArcGIS MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about feature_update

What does the feature_update tool do? +

feature_update. It is categorised as a Write tool in the ArcGIS 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 feature_update? +

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

What risk level is feature_update? +

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

Can I rate-limit feature_update? +

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

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

feature_update is provided by the ArcGIS MCP server (renemorenow/arcgis-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.