pdf_set_metadata · Mcp Pdf Utils MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What pdf_set_metadata does on Mcp Pdf Utils

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why pdf_set_metadata needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies metadata fields within a PDF file. These changes are reversible—metadata can be overwritten or removed—and do not result in data loss or irreversible destruction. The scope is limited to metadata fields only, not document content or structure. While it modifies the PDF, the effect is comparable to updating file properties, making it a Write operation.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Set or update PDF metadata', indicating reversible modification of document properties (title, author, subject, keywords, creator).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

pdf_set_metadata Rate-limited

pdf_set_metadata 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": {
    "pdf_set_metadata": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "pdf_set_metadata_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 Mcp Pdf Utils, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about pdf_set_metadata

What does the pdf_set_metadata tool do? +

Set or update PDF metadata (title, author, subject, keywords, creator). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mcp Pdf Utils MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on pdf_set_metadata? +

Register the Mcp Pdf Utils MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for pdf_set_metadata: 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 Mcp Pdf Utils. Nothing to install.

What risk level is pdf_set_metadata? +

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

Can I rate-limit pdf_set_metadata? +

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

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

pdf_set_metadata is provided by the Mcp Pdf Utils MCP server (zekovdev/mcp-pdf-utils). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.