generate_qr_code · MCP-Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What generate_qr_code does on MCP-Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why generate_qr_code needs a policy

The tool creates a new output artifact (QR code image) in response to input, which is a Write operation. However, it is reversible (can be regenerated or discarded) and has no side effects on external systems or data stores. The severity is low because misuse would only result in incorrect QR codes being generated, with minimal blast radius—no data destruction, financial impact, or code execution.

From the tool's definition Tool generates and returns a QR code as a base64 encoded image. This is a create operation that produces new data (the encoded image artifact).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

generate_qr_code Rate-limited

generate_qr_code 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": {
    "generate_qr_code": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "generate_qr_code_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 MCP-Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about generate_qr_code

What does the generate_qr_code tool do? +

Generate a QR code for a URL and return it as base64 encoded image. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP-Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on generate_qr_code? +

Register the MCP-Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for generate_qr_code: 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 MCP-Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is generate_qr_code? +

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

Can I rate-limit generate_qr_code? +

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

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

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