switch_replace · Gdb Multiarch MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What switch_replace does on Gdb Multiarch

AI agents invoke switch_replace to trigger actions in Gdb Multiarch. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why switch_replace needs a policy

This tool patches live executable code (instruction replacement/binary patching) in a running process. It modifies the instruction stream of the target program, which is an irreversible runtime operation that can corrupt program state, crash the process, or introduce arbitrary behavior.

From the tool's definition Replace the instruction at an offset from main with a new instruction

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

switch_replace Rate-limited

switch_replace stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "switch_replace": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "switch_replace_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Gdb Multiarch, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about switch_replace

What does the switch_replace tool do? +

Replace the instruction at an offset from main with a new instruction. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Gdb Multiarch MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on switch_replace? +

Register the Gdb Multiarch MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for switch_replace: 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 Gdb Multiarch. Nothing to install.

What risk level is switch_replace? +

switch_replace is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit switch_replace? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the switch_replace 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 switch_replace completely? +

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

switch_replace is provided by the Gdb Multiarch MCP server (sbergeron42/gdb-multiarch-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.