update_prompt · Respan MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_prompt does on Respan MCP Server

AI agents use update_prompt 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_prompt needs a policy

The tool modifies prompt data reversibly. While prompt updates could affect AI behavior in production if misconfigured, the action is not destructive (can be reverted), not executable code, and not financial. The medium severity reflects that prompt modifications could impact downstream AI operations, but the reversible nature and the management/monitoring context of the server place it in Write rather than Execute.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'update_prompt' and description 'Update a prompt' indicate modification of existing data without deletion.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_prompt Rate-limited

update_prompt 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_prompt": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_prompt_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_prompt

What does the update_prompt tool do? +

Update a prompt. 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_prompt? +

Register the Respan MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_prompt: 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_prompt? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_prompt? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_prompt 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_prompt completely? +

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

update_prompt 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.