auto_focus · mcpXL30 MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What auto_focus does on mcpXL30

AI agents invoke auto_focus to trigger actions in mcpXL30. 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 auto_focus needs a policy

Auto-focus on an electron microscope involves adjusting the beam focus, which is an active operation affecting the electron beam and potentially the sample. While not explicitly destructive, improper focus adjustment in an ESEM context could affect beam parameters (high tension, beam shift) and interact with sensitive hardware. The description is empty, lowering confidence.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'auto_focus' on a server that controls a Philips XL30 ESEM microscope with tools for imaging, beam adjustment, and vacuum chamber operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

auto_focus Rate-limited

auto_focus 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": {
    "auto_focus": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "auto_focus_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 mcpXL30, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about auto_focus

What does the auto_focus tool do? +

auto_focus. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the mcpXL30 MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on auto_focus? +

Register the mcpXL30 MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for auto_focus: 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 mcpXL30. Nothing to install.

What risk level is auto_focus? +

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

Can I rate-limit auto_focus? +

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

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

auto_focus is provided by the mcpXL30 MCP server (tspspi/mcpxl30). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.