Low Risk

download_attachment

Download a file attachment from Joplin by resource ID. Saves to specified path.

Part of the Joplin MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

joplin-mcp Read

AI agents call download_attachment to retrieve information from Joplin without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

Even though download_attachment only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

io-github-alondmnt-joplin-mcp.yaml
tools:
  download_attachment:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Joplin policy for all 32 tools.

Tool Name download_attachment
Category Read
MCP Server Joplin MCP Server
Risk Level Low

View all 32 tools →

Agents calling read-class tools like download_attachment have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Other tools in the Read risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, allow) apply to each.

What does the download_attachment tool do? +

Download a file attachment from Joplin by resource ID. Saves to specified path.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Joplin MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on download_attachment? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for download_attachment. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Joplin MCP server.

What risk level is download_attachment? +

download_attachment is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit download_attachment? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the download_attachment rule in your Intercept 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 download_attachment completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for download_attachment. 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 download_attachment? +

download_attachment is provided by the Joplin MCP server (joplin-mcp). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Joplin

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
// GET IN TOUCH

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