select_clip_on_timeline

THE RISK

High Risk

Why select_clip_on_timeline needs a policy

Selecting/highlighting a timeline range in Pro Tools is an external application action that changes the application's UI and selection state. It doesn't just read data nor does it irreversibly destroy or write persistent data, but it does trigger an operation in an external application (Pro Tools via PTSL gRPC API). Misuse could disrupt editing workflows but has limited blast radius.

From the tool's definition 'Highlights a specific range on the Pro Tools timeline' — triggers an external operation (UI selection/highlighting) in Pro Tools via gRPC API, affecting application state

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access select_clip_on_timeline gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control select_clip_on_timeline

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Pro Tools MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for select_clip_on_timeline:

policy.json

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

select_clip_on_timeline 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.

Create a free account and register Pro Tools MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More Pro Tools MCP Server tools

Destructive clear Clear (delete) the selected content on selected tracks within the timeline selection witho Destructive delete_all_markers Delete all markers/memory locations in the session Destructive delete_marker Delete one or more markers by their numbers Destructive cut Cut the selected content on selected tracks within the timeline selection. Use select_trac Execute play Start playback in Pro Tools Execute ptsl_command Execute a raw PTSL command with custom parameters. Use this for advanced operations not co Execute record Start recording in Pro Tools Execute stop Stop playback/recording in Pro Tools

All 36 Pro Tools MCP Server tools →

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Go deeper

High-risk tools in Pro Tools MCP Server → Every high-risk tool this server exposes, in one view.
All high-risk MCP tools → Every high-risk tool across the catalogue, and the policy pattern that contains them.
The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Agent sandbox → Bounding what an agent can execute and where the boundary should sit.
Least privilege for MCP → Granting agents the minimum tool surface the task needs.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about select_clip_on_timeline

What does the select_clip_on_timeline tool do? +

Highlights a specific range on the Pro Tools timeline. Use the track_name, start_time, and end_time. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Pro Tools MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on select_clip_on_timeline? +

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

What risk level is select_clip_on_timeline? +

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

Can I rate-limit select_clip_on_timeline? +

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

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

select_clip_on_timeline is provided by the Pro Tools MCP Server MCP server (skrul/protools-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Pro Tools MCP Server tool call.

Start from Pro Tools MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →