start_research · Pathfinder MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What start_research does on Pathfinder MCP Server

AI agents use start_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 start_research needs a policy

Starting a research session implies creating a new session object or state in the system, which is a reversible write operation. It does not appear to execute code, delete data, or involve financial transactions. Confidence is moderate because the description is sparse and doesn't detail exactly what side effects occur.

From the tool's definition "Start a new research session" — creates/initializes a new session record

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

start_research Rate-limited

start_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": {
    "start_research": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start_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 start_research

What does the start_research tool do? +

Start a new research 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 start_research? +

Register the Pathfinder MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for start_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 start_research? +

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

Can I rate-limit start_research? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the start_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 start_research completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for start_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 start_research? +

start_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.