xml_format · Tools MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What xml_format does on Tools

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

PARAMETERS

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`input`	string	Yes	XML string
`action`	string	—	Action (default: beautify)

Parameters from the server's own tool schema.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why xml_format needs a policy

XML formatting is a write operation: it creates a modified (reformatted) version of input XML. However, severity is low because: (1) the operation is entirely reversible (original can be recovered), (2) no data is created, deleted, or permanently changed, (3) no external systems are affected, and (4) misuse by an AI agent poses minimal risk—worst case is incorrectly formatted XML that can be easily regenerated.

From the tool's definition Tool performs 'Beautify or minify XML code' — a reversible formatting operation that modifies the structural representation of XML without changing underlying data or logic.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

xml_format Rate-limited

xml_format 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": {
    "xml_format": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "xml_format_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 Tools, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about xml_format

What does the xml_format tool do? +

Beautify or minify XML code. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Tools MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

What parameters does xml_format accept? +

xml_format accepts 2 parameters: input, action. Required: input. The full parameter table on this page comes from the server's own tool schema.

How do I enforce a policy on xml_format? +

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

What risk level is xml_format? +

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

Can I rate-limit xml_format? +

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

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

xml_format is provided by the Tools MCP server (https://www.jiebang.site/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.