user_set_role · ArcGIS MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What user_set_role does on ArcGIS MCP

AI agents use user_set_role 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 user_set_role needs a policy

This tool modifies user properties (role assignment) which affects access permissions and organizational structure. This is a Write operation (reversible role change) rather than Destructive, but carries high severity due to potential blast radius—assigning incorrect roles could grant excessive permissions, lock out users, or enable privilege escalation.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'user_set_role' indicates modification of user role assignments. Description is empty, but context shows this is part of a user/group management module on an ArcGIS administrative server.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

user_set_role Rate-limited

user_set_role 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": {
    "user_set_role": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "user_set_role_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 user_set_role

What does the user_set_role tool do? +

user_set_role. 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 user_set_role? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit user_set_role? +

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

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

user_set_role 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.