save_research · Pathfinder MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What save_research does on Pathfinder MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why save_research needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies data (research findings in session storage) in a reversible manner. It does not execute code, delete data, or trigger external operations. The blast radius is minimal—worst case, incorrect research notes are saved but can be overwritten or cleared. Within the gated workflow context, this is a standard Write operation with low severity.

From the tool's definition 'Save research findings to the session' indicates persistent storage of data via write operation. The tool modifies session state by storing research outputs.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

save_research Rate-limited

save_research 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": {
    "save_research": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "save_research_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 Pathfinder MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about save_research

What does the save_research tool do? +

Save research findings to the session. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Pathfinder MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on save_research? +

Register the Pathfinder MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for save_research: 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 Pathfinder MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is save_research? +

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

Can I rate-limit save_research? +

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

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

save_research is provided by the Pathfinder MCP Server MCP server (jamesctucker/pathfinder-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.