secret_set · LocalAnt MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What secret_set does on LocalAnt

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why secret_set needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies stored secrets, which is a reversible write operation. While secrets are encrypted, an AI agent could be tricked into storing sensitive credentials (API keys, passwords) that it shouldn't persist, or overwriting legitimate secrets.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'secret_set' and description 'Store a secret by name. The value is encrypted and never returned by any tool' indicate a create/modify operation that writes encrypted data to storage.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

secret_set Rate-limited

secret_set 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": {
    "secret_set": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "secret_set_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 LocalAnt, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about secret_set

What does the secret_set tool do? +

Store a secret by name. The value is encrypted and never returned by any tool. It is categorised as a Write tool in the LocalAnt MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on secret_set? +

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

What risk level is secret_set? +

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

Can I rate-limit secret_set? +

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

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

secret_set is provided by the LocalAnt MCP server (yuga-hashimoto/localant). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.