vault_lock · Kova Mind MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What vault_lock does on Kova Mind MCP Server

AI agents invoke vault_lock to trigger actions in Kova Mind MCP Server. 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 vault_lock needs a policy

This tool executes a security operation that zeros the encryption key from memory and locks the vault. It is not purely destructive (data is not deleted, just made inaccessible), nor is it a simple read or write. It triggers an external operation (locking the vault, clearing key material) whose effects depend on the vault state.

From the tool's definition Lock the secrets vault. Zeros the encryption key from memory.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

vault_lock Rate-limited

vault_lock 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": {
    "vault_lock": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "vault_lock_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 Kova Mind MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about vault_lock

What does the vault_lock tool do? +

Lock the secrets vault. Zeros the encryption key from memory. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Kova Mind MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on vault_lock? +

Register the Kova Mind MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for vault_lock: 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 Kova Mind MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is vault_lock? +

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

Can I rate-limit vault_lock? +

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

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

vault_lock is provided by the Kova Mind MCP Server MCP server (kovamind/mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.