keynote_set_slide_background · Keynote MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What keynote_set_slide_background does on Keynote

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why keynote_set_slide_background needs a policy

This tool modifies presentation data (slide background) but the change is reversible—the background color can be changed again or restored to a previous state. It does not delete, execute arbitrary code, or trigger external operations with unpredictable side effects. It is clearly a Write operation.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Change[s] the background color of a slide to a solid color', indicating modification of slide properties.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

keynote_set_slide_background Rate-limited

keynote_set_slide_background 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": {
    "keynote_set_slide_background": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "keynote_set_slide_background_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 Keynote, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about keynote_set_slide_background

What does the keynote_set_slide_background tool do? +

Change the background color of a slide to a solid color. Use this to establish a consistent color palette across all slides. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Keynote MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on keynote_set_slide_background? +

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

What risk level is keynote_set_slide_background? +

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

Can I rate-limit keynote_set_slide_background? +

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

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

keynote_set_slide_background is provided by the Keynote MCP server (tszaks/keynote-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.