update_dict_item · UOFast MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_dict_item does on UOFastMCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_dict_item needs a policy

This tool modifies data reversibly by updating dictionary items in UniData/UniVerse databases. While it performs a read-then-write pattern, the primary action is modification of existing metadata/configuration (DICT items), which is Write category.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Update an existing DICT item' and 'reads the existing item, then writes the updated data.' This is a write operation that modifies existing dictionary definitions in a U2 database.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_dict_item Rate-limited

update_dict_item 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_dict_item": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_dict_item_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 UOFastMCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_dict_item

What does the update_dict_item tool do? +

Update an existing DICT item. This is an alias for write_dict_item - it reads the existing item, then writes the updated data. It is categorised as a Write tool in the UOFastMCP 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_dict_item? +

Register the UOFast MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_dict_item: 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 UOFastMCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is update_dict_item? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_dict_item? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_dict_item 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_dict_item completely? +

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

update_dict_item is provided by the UOFast MCP server (rokipark/uofastmcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.