update_authorization_policy · Smokeball MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_authorization_policy does on Smokeball

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_authorization_policy needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly by updating authorization policies. While not irreversible (Destructive) or executing code (Execute), it is Write because it changes access control configurations.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'update_authorization_policy' and description 'Update an authorization policy' indicate modification of access control configuration. The permissions_csv parameter confirms this modifies security-relevant settings.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_authorization_policy Rate-limited

update_authorization_policy 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_authorization_policy": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_authorization_policy_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 Smokeball, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_authorization_policy

What does the update_authorization_policy tool do? +

Update an authorization policy. permissions_csv: comma-separated permission strings. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Smokeball 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_authorization_policy? +

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

What risk level is update_authorization_policy? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_authorization_policy? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_authorization_policy 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_authorization_policy completely? +

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

update_authorization_policy is provided by the Smokeball MCP server (rosenadvertising/smokeball-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.