blank_beam · mcpXL30 MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What blank_beam does on mcpXL30

AI agents invoke blank_beam 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 blank_beam needs a policy

In electron microscopy, 'blanking the beam' means deflecting or shutting off the electron beam, which is a physical operation with real-world consequences on the microscope hardware and any sample being imaged. This is an external hardware action (Execute category). Misuse could interrupt ongoing imaging, damage samples, or disrupt sensitive experiments. Confidence is moderate due to the empty description.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'blank_beam' on a server controlling a Philips XL30 ESEM microscope; description is empty and uninformative.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

blank_beam Rate-limited

blank_beam 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": {
    "blank_beam": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "blank_beam_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 blank_beam

What does the blank_beam tool do? +

blank_beam. 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 blank_beam? +

Register the mcpXL30 MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for blank_beam: 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 blank_beam? +

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

Can I rate-limit blank_beam? +

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

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

blank_beam 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.