kicad.set_reference · Eda MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What kicad.set_reference does on Eda

AI agents use kicad.set_reference 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.set_reference needs a policy

This tool modifies component properties (reference designators like R1, C2, U3) within a KiCad schematic design. This is a reversible write operation—the reference can be changed again, and no data is permanently deleted.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'set_reference' and description 'Set the reference designator of a component' indicate modification of component metadata without deletion or irreversible changes.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

kicad.set_reference Rate-limited

kicad.set_reference 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.set_reference": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "kicad.set_reference_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.set_reference

What does the kicad.set_reference tool do? +

Set the reference designator of a 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.set_reference? +

Register the Eda MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for kicad.set_reference: 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.set_reference? +

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

Can I rate-limit kicad.set_reference? +

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

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

kicad.set_reference 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.