import_batch · Darktable MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What import_batch does on Darktable

AI agents use import_batch 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 import_batch needs a policy

This tool creates new film roll entries and registers image collections, which are reversible write operations. While it modifies darktable's internal state by creating new organizational structures, the action is not destructive (can be undone/deleted), does not execute arbitrary code, and does not involve financial transactions.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'import_batch' and description 'Register a folder as a film roll in the user' indicate creation/modification of metadata and organizational structures within darktable's database.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

import_batch Rate-limited

import_batch 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": {
    "import_batch": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "import_batch_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 import_batch

What does the import_batch tool do? +

Register a folder as a film roll in the user. 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 import_batch? +

Register the Darktable MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for import_batch: 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 import_batch? +

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

Can I rate-limit import_batch? +

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

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

import_batch 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.