Low Risk

validate_nwb_structure

Validate if a data description follows NWB best practices. This tool checks if a planned data structure follows NWB conventions and provides suggestions for improvement. Args: data_description: Dictionary describing the planned data structure. Should include keys like 'session_description', 'iden...

Part of the Neuro server.

validate_nwb_structure is read-only, but an agent in a loop can still rack up calls and cost. PolicyLayer caps every call before it runs. Live in minutes.

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AI agents call validate_nwb_structure to retrieve information from Neuro 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 validate_nwb_structure 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.

policy.json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "validate_nwb_structure": {}
  }
}

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These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access validate_nwb_structure gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:

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Every attack above starts with a tool call. PolicyLayer checks each one against your policy first, so validate_nwb_structure only ever does what you allow.

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Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.

What does the validate_nwb_structure tool do? +

Validate if a data description follows NWB best practices. This tool checks if a planned data structure follows NWB conventions and provides suggestions for improvement. Args: data_description: Dictionary describing the planned data structure. Should include keys like 'session_description', 'identifier', 'data_types' (list of data types like 'ecephys', 'ophys', 'behavior') Returns: Validation result with recommendations Examples: - validate_nwb_structure({ 'session_description': 'Neural recording session', 'identifier': 'session_001', 'data_types': ['ecephys', 'behavior'] }). It is categorised as a Read tool in the Neuro MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on validate_nwb_structure? +

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

What risk level is validate_nwb_structure? +

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

Can I rate-limit validate_nwb_structure? +

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

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

validate_nwb_structure is provided by the Neuro MCP server (@brain-bbqs/neuro-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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