zemax_save_file · Zemax MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What zemax_save_file does on Zemax

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why zemax_save_file needs a policy

This tool performs a reversible file write operation (save/save-as). It modifies the state of stored optical design data but does not delete, destroy, or irreversibly alter data. The severity is medium rather than low because saving to an arbitrary path could overwrite existing files and disrupt workflow, but the action is reversible through standard file recovery or version control.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Save the current system' and 'Save-As to that path', which are write operations that create or modify files on disk.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

zemax_save_file Rate-limited

zemax_save_file 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": {
    "zemax_save_file": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "zemax_save_file_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 Zemax, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about zemax_save_file

What does the zemax_save_file tool do? +

Save the current system. If path is given, Save-As to that path. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Zemax MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on zemax_save_file? +

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

What risk level is zemax_save_file? +

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

Can I rate-limit zemax_save_file? +

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

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

zemax_save_file is provided by the Zemax MCP server (webworn/zemax-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.