attach_candidate_tags · CATS MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What attach_candidate_tags does on CATS MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why attach_candidate_tags needs a policy

This tool modifies candidate data by adding tags reversibly. It is not destructive (tags are preserved and can be removed), does not execute arbitrary code, and does not move money. The severity is medium because misuse could lead to candidate records being polluted with incorrect tags affecting recruitment workflows, but the action is reversible.

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states 'Add tags to a candidate (keeps existing tags)' - this is a create/modify operation that adds data to an existing candidate record without deleting or overwriting existing information.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

attach_candidate_tags Rate-limited

attach_candidate_tags 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": {
    "attach_candidate_tags": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "attach_candidate_tags_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 CATS MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about attach_candidate_tags

What does the attach_candidate_tags tool do? +

Add tags to a candidate (keeps existing tags). It is categorised as a Write tool in the CATS 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 attach_candidate_tags? +

Register the CATS MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for attach_candidate_tags: 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 CATS MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is attach_candidate_tags? +

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

Can I rate-limit attach_candidate_tags? +

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

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

attach_candidate_tags is provided by the CATS MCP Server MCP server (vanman2024/cats-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.