update_dataset · Respan MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_dataset does on Respan MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_dataset needs a policy

The tool modifies dataset records reversibly, which is characteristic of Write operations. Severity is medium because unauthorized updates to monitoring/evaluation datasets could corrupt logs, traces, or experiment data, affecting observability and decision-making, but the operation is not financial, destructive, or system-level code execution.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'update_dataset' and description 'Update a dataset' indicate modification of existing data without deletion or irreversible destruction.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_dataset Rate-limited

update_dataset 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": {
    "update_dataset": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_dataset_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 Respan MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_dataset

What does the update_dataset tool do? +

Update a dataset. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Respan MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on update_dataset? +

Register the Respan MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_dataset: 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 Respan MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is update_dataset? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_dataset? +

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

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

update_dataset is provided by the Respan MCP Server MCP server (respanai/respan-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.