auto_layout · Flowchart MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What auto_layout does on Flowchart MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why auto_layout needs a policy

auto_layout modifies flowchart node positions but does not create, delete, or destroy data—the nodes and edges themselves remain intact. This is a reversible layout operation (the diagram can be re-arranged), placing it in Write rather than Execute or Destructive. Severity is low because misuse simply produces a poor layout, with no data loss, financial impact, or system-level consequences.

From the tool's definition Tool modifies the spatial arrangement of flowchart nodes through an automatic layout algorithm, which changes the diagram's visual state reversibly. Description explicitly states 'automatically arrange nodes', indicating data modification.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

auto_layout Rate-limited

auto_layout 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": {
    "auto_layout": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "auto_layout_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 Flowchart MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about auto_layout

What does the auto_layout tool do? +

Automatically arrange nodes using a layered graph layout algorithm. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Flowchart MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on auto_layout? +

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

What risk level is auto_layout? +

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

Can I rate-limit auto_layout? +

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

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

auto_layout is provided by the Flowchart MCP server (zafer-liu/flowchart_mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.