xbrl_validate · Arelle MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What xbrl_validate does on Arelle

AI agents invoke xbrl_validate to trigger actions in Arelle. 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 xbrl_validate needs a policy

Validation tools typically execute a checking/processing operation against data rather than purely reading or writing it. Given the server context of XBRL filing operations, validation likely runs computational checks on a filing. However, the empty description significantly lowers confidence. Severity is medium as misuse could trigger unintended processing, but it appears unlikely to cause irreversible harm.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'xbrl_validate' suggests running a validation process; description is empty and uninformative.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

xbrl_validate Rate-limited

xbrl_validate 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": {
    "xbrl_validate": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "xbrl_validate_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 Arelle, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about xbrl_validate

What does the xbrl_validate tool do? +

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

How do I enforce a policy on xbrl_validate? +

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

What risk level is xbrl_validate? +

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

Can I rate-limit xbrl_validate? +

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

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

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