start_session · MCP Memory Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What start_session does on MCP Memory Server

AI agents use start_session 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 start_session needs a policy

This tool creates a new session record in the memory server's persistent storage. It writes/initializes session tracking data but does not execute code, delete anything, or involve financial operations. Misuse has low blast radius as it only creates a session entry.

From the tool's definition Start a new AI coding session with a specific task

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

start_session Rate-limited

start_session 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": {
    "start_session": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "start_session_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 start_session

What does the start_session tool do? +

Start a new AI coding session with a specific task. 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 start_session? +

Register the MCP Memory Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for start_session: 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 start_session? +

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

Can I rate-limit start_session? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the start_session 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_session completely? +

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

start_session 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.