update_port_config · API-Central MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_port_config does on API-Central

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_port_config needs a policy

This tool modifies ethernet interface configuration on network switches, which constitutes a Write action (creates or modifies data reversibly). While the blast radius is significant—incorrect port configuration could disrupt network connectivity or isolate devices—the change is technically reversible through another update operation.

From the tool's definition Tool description: 'PATCH ethernet interface config on a CX switch' — PATCH is an HTTP method that modifies existing data. The tool updates network interface configuration, which is a reversible modification of switch state.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_port_config Rate-limited

update_port_config 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_port_config": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_port_config_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 API-Central, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_port_config

What does the update_port_config tool do? +

PATCH ethernet interface config on a CX switch at device scope. It is categorised as a Write tool in the API-Central 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_port_config? +

Register the API-Central MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_port_config: 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 API-Central. Nothing to install.

What risk level is update_port_config? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_port_config? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_port_config 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_port_config completely? +

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

update_port_config is provided by the API-Central MCP server (secure-ssid/centralmcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.