AI agents use convert_to_idf to create or update resources in OpenStudio MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your OpenStudio MCP Server environment.
Conversion tools generate new files or data representations from existing models. While not destructive (the original .osm file remains), this is a Write operation as it creates new data outputs. The absence of a description lowers confidence slightly, but the name and context clearly indicate file/data generation.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'convert_to_idf' indicates conversion of OpenStudio model files (.osm) to EnergyPlus Input Data File (.idf) format, which modifies or generates new data artifacts.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access convert_to_idf gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and OpenStudio MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for convert_to_idf:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"convert_to_idf": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "convert_to_idf_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}convert_to_idf 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.
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convert_to_idf. It is categorised as a Write tool in the OpenStudio MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the OpenStudio MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for convert_to_idf: 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 OpenStudio MCP Server. Nothing to install.
convert_to_idf is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the convert_to_idf 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for convert_to_idf. 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.
convert_to_idf is provided by the OpenStudio MCP Server MCP server (roruizf/openstudio-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from OpenStudio MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
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20 OpenStudio MCP Server tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.