update_network · Hcloud MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_network does on Hcloud

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_network needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data reversibly by allowing updates to network name and labels in Hetzner Cloud infrastructure. It is a Write operation per the classification schema. Severity is medium because misconfiguration could affect network routing/connectivity for hosted services, but the changes are reversible and non-destructive.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Update a network (name, labels)' - modifies existing network configuration data (name and labels) reversibly without deletion or financial impact.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_network Rate-limited

update_network 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": {
    "update_network": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_network_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 Hcloud, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_network

What does the update_network tool do? +

Update a network (name, labels). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Hcloud MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on update_network? +

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

What risk level is update_network? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_network? +

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

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

update_network is provided by the Hcloud MCP server (xodus-co/hcloud-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.