cache_decr · Awslabs Valkey MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What cache_decr does on Awslabs Valkey

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why cache_decr needs a policy

This tool modifies an existing numeric value in the cache by decrementing it. This is a reversible write operation (the value can be incremented back). It does not delete data, execute arbitrary code, or involve financial transactions. Misuse could corrupt application state relying on counters (e.g., rate limiters, inventory counts), hence medium severity.

From the tool's definition Decrement a counter in the cache

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

cache_decr Rate-limited

cache_decr 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": {
    "cache_decr": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "cache_decr_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 Awslabs Valkey, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about cache_decr

What does the cache_decr tool do? +

Decrement a counter in the cache. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Awslabs Valkey MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on cache_decr? +

Register the Awslabs Valkey MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for cache_decr: 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 Awslabs Valkey. Nothing to install.

What risk level is cache_decr? +

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

Can I rate-limit cache_decr? +

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

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

cache_decr is provided by the Awslabs Valkey MCP server (awslabs.valkey-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.