macro_start_recording · Solidworks MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What macro_start_recording does on Solidworks

AI agents invoke macro_start_recording to trigger actions in Solidworks. 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 macro_start_recording needs a policy

Macro recording in SolidWorks enables capture of arbitrary user actions and commands that can later be executed automatically. This is a form of code execution, as recorded macros are scripts that perform operations whose effects depend entirely on what actions are recorded during the session.

From the tool's definition Start recording a new macro - directly initiates macro recording which captures and can execute arbitrary operations within SolidWorks, constituting code execution in the CAD environment.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

macro_start_recording Rate-limited

macro_start_recording 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": {
    "macro_start_recording": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "macro_start_recording_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 Solidworks, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about macro_start_recording

What does the macro_start_recording tool do? +

Start recording a new macro. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Solidworks MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on macro_start_recording? +

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

What risk level is macro_start_recording? +

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

Can I rate-limit macro_start_recording? +

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

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

macro_start_recording is provided by the Solidworks MCP server (solidworks-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.