item_clone · ArcGIS MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What item_clone does on ArcGIS MCP

AI agents use item_clone 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 item_clone needs a policy

The name 'item_clone' strongly implies creating a copy/duplicate of an existing ArcGIS item, which is a Write operation (creates new data reversibly). In ArcGIS Online/Enterprise context, cloning an item can reproduce layers, maps, apps, or other resources. The severity is high because misuse could inadvertently duplicate sensitive items, consume storage quotas, or expose content.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'item_clone' — description is empty and uninformative.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

item_clone Rate-limited

item_clone 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": {
    "item_clone": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "item_clone_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

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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 item_clone

What does the item_clone tool do? +

item_clone. 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 item_clone? +

Register the ArcGIS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for item_clone: 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 item_clone? +

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

Can I rate-limit item_clone? +

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

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

item_clone 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.