create_backup · Minecraft Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_backup does on Minecraft Server MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_backup needs a policy

create_backup creates new backup artifacts (compressed tar.gz files) but does not modify, delete, or destroy existing world data. This is a reversible write operation. Severity is medium because while backups themselves are benign, this tool operates in an administrative context (Minecraft server management) where large file operations could impact server performance or storage.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Create[s] a compressed backup', which is a write operation that creates new data (backup files).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_backup Rate-limited

create_backup 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": {
    "create_backup": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_backup_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 Minecraft Server MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_backup

What does the create_backup tool do? +

Create a compressed backup (tar.gz) of a world. Safe to use while the server is running (uses save-off/save-on). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Minecraft Server MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on create_backup? +

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

What risk level is create_backup? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_backup? +

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

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

create_backup is provided by the Minecraft Server MCP server (tamo2918/minecraft-server-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.