alm_add_design_steps · HP ALM MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What alm_add_design_steps does on HP ALM MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why alm_add_design_steps needs a policy

The tool performs a write operation on test design data. While the description is empty (reducing confidence), the name and context strongly suggest it modifies test case design steps—a reversible change consistent with Write category. Severity is medium because misuse could corrupt test designs affecting QA processes, but changes are typically reviewable and undoable through ALM's version control mechanisms.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'alm_add_design_steps' indicates modification of test design artifacts within HP ALM. The 'add' prefix suggests creating or appending steps to existing test entities (likely test cases).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

alm_add_design_steps Rate-limited

alm_add_design_steps 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": {
    "alm_add_design_steps": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "alm_add_design_steps_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 HP ALM MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about alm_add_design_steps

What does the alm_add_design_steps tool do? +

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

How do I enforce a policy on alm_add_design_steps? +

Register the HP ALM MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for alm_add_design_steps: 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 HP ALM MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is alm_add_design_steps? +

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

Can I rate-limit alm_add_design_steps? +

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

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

alm_add_design_steps is provided by the HP ALM MCP Server MCP server (uditmahaldar/opentext-alm-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.