set_detector · mcpXL30 MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_detector does on mcpXL30

AI agents use set_detector to create or update resources in mcpXL30 — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your mcpXL30 environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_detector needs a policy

Based on the naming convention 'set_*', this tool likely configures or changes the active detector on the electron microscope. Changing detector settings is a Write operation (modifies instrument configuration). However, on scientific equipment, misconfiguring the detector could damage sensitive hardware or invalidate experiments, warranting high severity. Confidence is reduced due to the empty description.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'set_detector' 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

set_detector Rate-limited

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

FAQ

Questions about set_detector

What does the set_detector tool do? +

set_detector. It is categorised as a Write tool in the mcpXL30 MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on set_detector? +

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

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

Can I rate-limit set_detector? +

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

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

set_detector 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.