export_images · Darktable MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What export_images does on Darktable

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why export_images needs a policy

Exporting images creates new files on disk but does not modify or delete existing photos in the darktable library or original source files. The operation is reversible (exported files can be deleted), and the severity is medium because it could fill disk space or overwrite existing files if paths collide, but lacks the irreversibility of destructive operations or the financial impact of other categories.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Export photos to JPEG/PNG/TIFF via darktable-cli.' The action creates new image files in specified formats, which is a reversible data creation operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

export_images Rate-limited

export_images 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": {
    "export_images": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "export_images_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 Darktable, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about export_images

What does the export_images tool do? +

Export photos to JPEG/PNG/TIFF via darktable-cli. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Darktable MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on export_images? +

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

What risk level is export_images? +

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

Can I rate-limit export_images? +

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

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

export_images is provided by the Darktable MCP server (w1ne/darktable-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.