spike_archive · Hedgehog MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What spike_archive does on Hedgehog

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why spike_archive needs a policy

Archiving moves data to a different location (archive directory) but does not destroy it or make it irretrievable. This is a write-class operation (modifies state by relocating records) that is reversible—archived data can be restored. While it changes the visibility or accessibility of spike investigation records, the operation is not destructive.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Archive a spike investigation (move to archive directory)' - this is a reversible file/data move operation, not a deletion.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

spike_archive Rate-limited

spike_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": {
    "spike_archive": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "spike_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 Hedgehog, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about spike_archive

What does the spike_archive tool do? +

Archive a spike investigation (move to archive directory). It is categorised as a Write tool in the Hedgehog MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on spike_archive? +

Register the Hedgehog MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for spike_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 Hedgehog. Nothing to install.

What risk level is spike_archive? +

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

Can I rate-limit spike_archive? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the spike_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 spike_archive completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for spike_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 spike_archive? +

spike_archive is provided by the Hedgehog MCP server (jpalmerr/hedgehog). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.