kicad.add_component · Eda MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What kicad.add_component does on Eda

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why kicad.add_component needs a policy

Adding components to a PCB schematic or layout is a reversible write operation that modifies the design file. While the blast radius is medium (a malicious agent could add unwanted components, increasing cost or compromising design integrity), this is not destructive (reversible via undo), not execute (does not run arbitrary code), and not financial (does not directly move money).

From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_component' indicates creation of new design elements in KiCad PCB/schematic workflows. Sibling tools like 'add_wire', 'add_line', 'add_text', 'add_power_symbol' all create or modify design artifacts.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

kicad.add_component Rate-limited

kicad.add_component 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": {
    "kicad.add_component": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "kicad.add_component_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 Eda, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about kicad.add_component

What does the kicad.add_component tool do? +

kicad.add_component. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Eda MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on kicad.add_component? +

Register the Eda MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for kicad.add_component: 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 Eda. Nothing to install.

What risk level is kicad.add_component? +

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

Can I rate-limit kicad.add_component? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the kicad.add_component 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 kicad.add_component completely? +

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

kicad.add_component is provided by the Eda MCP server (saeronlab/eda-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.