unblank_beam · mcpXL30 MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What unblank_beam does on mcpXL30

AI agents invoke unblank_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 unblank_beam needs a policy

Unblanking the electron beam activates it, directing high-energy electrons at the sample. This is an external physical operation (Execute category) that could damage samples or cause harm if misused. The description is empty, lowering confidence, but the sibling tool 'blank_beam' and the server context strongly imply this activates the electron beam.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'unblank_beam' on a server that controls a Philips XL30 ESEM microscope with 'beam adjustment' capabilities; sibling tool 'blank_beam' exists, implying this reverses beam blanking.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

unblank_beam Rate-limited

unblank_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": {
    "unblank_beam": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "unblank_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 unblank_beam

What does the unblank_beam tool do? +

unblank_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 unblank_beam? +

Register the mcpXL30 MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for unblank_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 unblank_beam? +

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

Can I rate-limit unblank_beam? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the unblank_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 unblank_beam completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for unblank_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 unblank_beam? +

unblank_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.