set_par_to_shortest · Ice Puzzle MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_par_to_shortest does on Ice Puzzle

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_par_to_shortest needs a policy

This tool updates a specific numeric property (par/difficulty metric) of a level based on computed solver data. While it modifies level state, the operation is reversible (par can be changed again) and does not delete data or execute arbitrary code. It is a Write operation rather than Read (it changes data) or Execute (it doesn't run external code with unpredictable side effects).

From the tool's definition Tool modifies level data by setting the 'par' value to the shortest path length. The description uses 'set' and 'set par to', which are modification operations. This changes level metadata reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_par_to_shortest Rate-limited

set_par_to_shortest 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": {
    "set_par_to_shortest": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_par_to_shortest_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 Ice Puzzle, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_par_to_shortest

What does the set_par_to_shortest tool do? +

Solve and set par to the current solver shortest path length. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Ice Puzzle MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on set_par_to_shortest? +

Register the Ice Puzzle MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_par_to_shortest: 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 Ice Puzzle. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_par_to_shortest? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_par_to_shortest? +

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

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

set_par_to_shortest is provided by the Ice Puzzle MCP server (wmoten/ice-puzzle-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.