retrieve_memory
Retrieve the top-k memories most similar to the query.
This record as markdown: /tools/ashlesh-t-cognirepo/retrieve-memory.md
What retrieve_memory does on CogniRepo
AI agents call retrieve_memory to retrieve information from CogniRepo without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why retrieve_memory is rated Low
This tool queries an existing memory store and returns results based on similarity matching. It has no side effects, does not modify data, execute code, delete records, or perform financial operations. It is a straightforward read operation that retrieves information from persistent memory without altering it.
From the tool's definition Tool name is 'retrieve_memory' and description states 'Retrieve the top-k memories most similar to the query.' The verb 'retrieve' and the read-only nature of querying a memory store with no modification or execution describe a data retrieval operation.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs retrieve_memory safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and CogniRepo, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For retrieve_memory, this is the rule to start with:
retrieve_memory is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect CogniRepo, apply this rule, and every retrieve_memory call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about retrieve_memory
Retrieve the top-k memories most similar to the query. It is categorised as a Read tool in the CogniRepo MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the CogniRepo MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for retrieve_memory: 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 CogniRepo. Nothing to install.
retrieve_memory is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the retrieve_memory 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for retrieve_memory. 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.
retrieve_memory is provided by the CogniRepo MCP server (pypi:cognirepo). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
More on CogniRepo, and thousands of servers like it.
This server
Across the catalogue