AI agents call clark_what_if to retrieve information from Clark without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
The tool runs a what-if analysis by comparing a base scenario against a modified scenario. This is a read/query operation that retrieves and compares hypothetical plans without executing any changes, creating records, or triggering real-world actions. It is a simulation/analysis tool consistent with the server's stated purpose of 'plan queries, what-if analysis, and decision explanations'.
From the tool's definition 'Compare Clark's plan for the base scenario against a modified one' — this performs a comparison/analysis between two scenarios without modifying any data
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Compare Clark's plan for the base scenario against a modified one. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Clark MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Clark MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for clark_what_if: 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 Clark. Nothing to install.
clark_what_if 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 clark_what_if 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 clark_what_if. 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.
clark_what_if is provided by the Clark MCP server (jarmstrong158/clark-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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