decode_and_annotate · Optic MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What decode_and_annotate does on OpticMCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why decode_and_annotate needs a policy

An AI agent can call decode_and_annotate faster than any human can review — one bad instruction and it creates or modifies resources in OpticMCP by the hundred, each call as confident as the last.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

decode_and_annotate Rate-limited

decode_and_annotate 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": {
    "decode_and_annotate": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "decode_and_annotate_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 OpticMCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about decode_and_annotate

What does the decode_and_annotate tool do? +

decode_and_annotate. It is categorised as a Write tool in the OpticMCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on decode_and_annotate? +

Register the Optic MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for decode_and_annotate: 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 OpticMCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is decode_and_annotate? +

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

Can I rate-limit decode_and_annotate? +

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

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

decode_and_annotate is provided by the Optic MCP server (timorleiderman/opticmcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.