copy_from_primary · I18n MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What copy_from_primary does on I18n

AI agents use copy_from_primary to create or update resources in I18n — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your I18n environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why copy_from_primary needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies translation data across multiple locales without deletion. While it could introduce incorrect translations if misused, the effect is reversible (can be corrected by other Write tools like add_translation or corrected via copy_from_primary again).

From the tool's definition Tool copies primary locale values to other locales, modifying translation file content across specified locales. Description explicitly states it performs copy/assignment operations on translations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

copy_from_primary Rate-limited

copy_from_primary 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": {
    "copy_from_primary": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "copy_from_primary_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 I18n, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about copy_from_primary

What does the copy_from_primary tool do? +

Copy the primary locale value verbatim to specified locales for specified keys. It is categorised as a Write tool in the I18n MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on copy_from_primary? +

Register the I18n MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for copy_from_primary: 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 I18n. Nothing to install.

What risk level is copy_from_primary? +

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

Can I rate-limit copy_from_primary? +

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

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

copy_from_primary is provided by the I18n MCP server (robin-heat/i18n-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.