index_workspace · Syntax Map MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What index_workspace does on Syntax Map

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why index_workspace needs a policy

This tool creates or updates a SQLite index database by scanning source files. It writes/modifies persistent index data but does not execute code or irreversibly destroy data — a refresh/rebuild can be re-run. This is a Write operation with medium severity since it modifies a potentially large index database that other tools depend on.

From the tool's definition Build or refresh the SQLite symbol index for all supported source files

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

index_workspace Rate-limited

index_workspace 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": {
    "index_workspace": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "index_workspace_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 Syntax Map, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about index_workspace

What does the index_workspace tool do? +

Build or refresh the SQLite symbol index for all supported source files. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Syntax Map MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on index_workspace? +

Register the Syntax Map MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for index_workspace: 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 Syntax Map. Nothing to install.

What risk level is index_workspace? +

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

Can I rate-limit index_workspace? +

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

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

index_workspace is provided by the Syntax Map MCP server (kht6163/syntax-map-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.