update_primary_ip · Hcloud MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_primary_ip does on Hcloud

AI agents use update_primary_ip 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_primary_ip needs a policy

This tool modifies existing cloud infrastructure metadata (Primary IP name and labels) but does not delete resources, execute arbitrary code, or move money. Changes to labels and names are reversible by applying a new update.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'update_primary_ip' and description states it updates a Primary IP by modifying 'name, labels' — metadata fields that can be changed reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_primary_ip Rate-limited

update_primary_ip 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_primary_ip": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_primary_ip_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_primary_ip

What does the update_primary_ip tool do? +

Update a Primary IP (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_primary_ip? +

Register the Hcloud MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_primary_ip: 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_primary_ip? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_primary_ip? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_primary_ip 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_primary_ip completely? +

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

update_primary_ip 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.