start_minima_search · Fairchem MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What start_minima_search does on Fairchem

AI agents invoke start_minima_search to trigger actions in Fairchem. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why start_minima_search needs a policy

The tool initiates a minima search simulation, which is a code/computational execution that runs algorithms whose effects depend on the input structure and parameters. This is not a simple data read (it produces side effects via simulation), not reversible like a write, and not destructive in the sense of deletion. However, it commits significant computational resources and may alter internal state mid-flight.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'start_minima_search' combined with server context describing 'steer relaxations, MD, NEB, phonons, and minima searches mid-flight' indicates this tool triggers a computationally expensive simulation/optimization operation.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

start_minima_search Rate-limited

start_minima_search stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times 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_minima_search": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start_minima_search_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Fairchem, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about start_minima_search

What does the start_minima_search tool do? +

start_minima_search. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Fairchem MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on start_minima_search? +

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

What risk level is start_minima_search? +

start_minima_search is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit start_minima_search? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the start_minima_search 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_minima_search completely? +

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

start_minima_search is provided by the Fairchem MCP server (jkitchin/fairchem-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.