edit_figure · Academic Figures MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What edit_figure does on Academic Figures

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why edit_figure needs a policy

The edit_figure tool modifies academic figures based on user input, which constitutes a Write operation (reversible data modification). It does not execute arbitrary code, delete content, or cause financial harm. Severity is medium because erroneous edits could corrupt academic work that may be published, but the changes are reversible through additional edits or version recovery.

From the tool's definition Tool description states "Refine an academic figure using natural language feedback," indicating modification of existing figure data/assets.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

edit_figure Rate-limited

edit_figure 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": {
    "edit_figure": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "edit_figure_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 Academic Figures, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about edit_figure

What does the edit_figure tool do? +

Refine an academic figure using natural language feedback. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Academic Figures MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on edit_figure? +

Register the Academic Figures MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for edit_figure: 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 Academic Figures. Nothing to install.

What risk level is edit_figure? +

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

Can I rate-limit edit_figure? +

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

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

edit_figure is provided by the Academic Figures MCP server (u9401066/academic-figures-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.