set_file_approval · MCP Memory Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What set_file_approval does on MCP Memory Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why set_file_approval needs a policy

This tool modifies file approval status, which is metadata that likely controls whether files can be edited or accessed. This is a reversible state change (approval can be set, unset, or changed), making it Write rather than Destructive. It does not execute code or commands (Execute), move money (Financial), or permanently delete data (Destructive).

From the tool's definition Tool name 'set_file_approval' and description 'Set approval status for a file' indicate modification of metadata/state associated with files.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

set_file_approval Rate-limited

set_file_approval 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": {
    "set_file_approval": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "set_file_approval_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 MCP Memory Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about set_file_approval

What does the set_file_approval tool do? +

Set approval status for a file. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Memory 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 set_file_approval? +

Register the MCP Memory Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for set_file_approval: 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 MCP Memory Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is set_file_approval? +

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

Can I rate-limit set_file_approval? +

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

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

set_file_approval is provided by the MCP Memory Server MCP server (keleshteri/mcp-memory). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.