set_read_only_mode

THE RISK

Medium Risk

Why set_read_only_mode needs a policy

This tool modifies a system-level configuration setting (read-only mode), which is a reversible write operation. It changes the permission/access state of the MCP server but does not delete data or execute code. The blast radius is medium because disabling read-only mode could open up all write operations to an AI agent, but the tool itself only changes a configuration flag.

From the tool's definition 'enable read-only mode (blocks all writes) or disable it (enables all write scopes)' — toggles a configuration state on the server

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

POLICY

How to control set_read_only_mode

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

policy.json

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

set_read_only_mode 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 Qualtrics MCP Server — 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

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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 set_read_only_mode

What does the set_read_only_mode tool do? +

Quick toggle: enable read-only mode (blocks all writes) or disable it (enables all write scopes). For finer control, use set_write_scopes instead. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Qualtrics MCP Server 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_read_only_mode? +

Register the Qualtrics MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_read_only_mode: 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 Qualtrics MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_read_only_mode? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_read_only_mode? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the set_read_only_mode 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_read_only_mode completely? +

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

set_read_only_mode is provided by the Qualtrics MCP Server MCP server (yrvelez/qualtrics-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every Qualtrics MCP Server tool call.

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

CHECK YOUR STACK →