kicad.set_value · Eda MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What kicad.set_value does on Eda

AI agents use kicad.set_value 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_value needs a policy

The tool creates or modifies component properties (e.g., resistor values, capacitor ratings) within a KiCad schematic/PCB design. This is a Write operation because it changes design data reversibly. The severity is medium because modifying component values could cause design errors or require rework, but changes are typically undoable within the design tool.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'set_value' and description 'Set the value property of a component' indicate modification of component parameters. This is reversible data modification within a PCB design file.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

kicad.set_value Rate-limited

kicad.set_value 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_value": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "kicad.set_value_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_value

What does the kicad.set_value tool do? +

Set the value property of a component. Example: set_value(ref=. 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_value? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit kicad.set_value? +

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

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

kicad.set_value 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.