update_file_section · Kontexta MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_file_section does on Kontexta

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_file_section needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data within a controlled, version-tracked system (git-backed markdown vault). It is scoped to a single heading section and does not irreversibly delete data (making it Write, not Destructive). The modification is reversible via git history.

From the tool's definition 'Surgical write — replace the body of ONE heading without touching siblings.' The tool modifies file content reversibly by rewriting section bodies within markdown files managed by the git-backed vault.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_file_section Rate-limited

update_file_section 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_file_section": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_file_section_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 Kontexta, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_file_section

What does the update_file_section tool do? +

Surgical write — replace the body of ONE heading without touching siblings. The heading line itself is preserved verbatim; only its body is rewritten. Persists via the same path as. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Kontexta 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_file_section? +

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

What risk level is update_file_section? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_file_section? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_file_section 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_file_section completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for update_file_section. 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_file_section? +

update_file_section is provided by the Kontexta MCP server (safiyu/kontexta). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.