apply_data_type

THE RISK

Medium Risk

Why apply_data_type needs a policy

This tool modifies the binary analysis metadata by applying type information, which is a reversible change to the Ghidra project database. It does not delete data (Destructive), execute code (Execute), or move money (Financial). While it could theoretically be misused to corrupt analysis or insert misleading type information, the impact is confined to the analysis database rather than the original binary or system.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Apply a data type at a specific address in the binary' — this modifies binary metadata (type annotations) at specified locations.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access apply_data_type gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control apply_data_type

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Kawaiidra MCP, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for apply_data_type:

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "apply_data_type": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "apply_data_type_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

apply_data_type 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.

Create a free account and register Kawaiidra MCP — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More Kawaiidra MCP tools

Destructive cache_clear Clear cached analysis results. Can clear all cache or filter by binary/project. Destructive clear_comments Clear all comments (EOL, PRE, POST, PLATE) within a function Destructive delete_data_type Delete a user-defined data type from the binary. Destructive delete_function Delete a function by address or name. Removes the function definition but not the underlyi Destructive delete_label Delete a label/symbol at a specific address. Destructive remove_struct_field Remove a field from a structure by index. Execute run_script Execute arbitrary Jython code in the Ghidra scripting environment. Has access to currentPr Execute analyze_binary Import and analyze a binary file with Ghidra. Supports PE, ELF, Mach-O, and raw formats.

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Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Argument validation → Checking tool call arguments against schema and policy before they run.
Scoped token → Per-person credentials that grant a defined subset of servers and tools.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about apply_data_type

What does the apply_data_type tool do? +

Apply a data type at a specific address in the binary. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Kawaiidra MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on apply_data_type? +

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

What risk level is apply_data_type? +

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

Can I rate-limit apply_data_type? +

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

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

apply_data_type is provided by the Kawaiidra MCP server (wagonbomb/kawaiidra-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Kawaiidra MCP tool call.

Start from Kawaiidra MCP, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →