memory_archive · Loom MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What memory_archive does on Loom

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why memory_archive needs a policy

This tool modifies the state of a memory record by transitioning it to an archived status with a tombstone marker. Since soft-retirement with tombstones is a standard reversible pattern in data management (records remain recoverable), this qualifies as Write rather than Destructive. The impact is localized to individual memory records and poses minimal risk if misused by an agent.

From the tool's definition Tool description indicates 'move it to the archive tier' (data modification), and the operation is explicitly described as 'soft-retire' with a 'tombstone' rather than deletion, making it reversible.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

memory_archive Rate-limited

memory_archive 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": {
    "memory_archive": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "memory_archive_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 Loom, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about memory_archive

What does the memory_archive tool do? +

Soft-retire a memory: move it to the archive tier with a tombstone instead of. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Loom MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on memory_archive? +

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

What risk level is memory_archive? +

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

Can I rate-limit memory_archive? +

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

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

memory_archive is provided by the Loom MCP server (jbarket/loom). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.