restore_context · MCPEmulate MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What restore_context does on MCPEmulate

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why restore_context needs a policy

This tool modifies the emulator's register state by restoring from a snapshot, which constitutes a reversible write operation. While it operates within an isolated emulation environment (limiting blast radius), restoring registers can alter execution flow and behavior unpredictably depending on the snapshot contents.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'restore_context' and description 'Restore registers from a previously saved snapshot' indicate modification of CPU register state within an emulation session.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

restore_context Rate-limited

restore_context 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": {
    "restore_context": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "restore_context_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 MCPEmulate, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about restore_context

What does the restore_context tool do? +

Restore registers from a previously saved snapshot. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCPEmulate MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on restore_context? +

Register the MCPEmulate MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for restore_context: 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 MCPEmulate. Nothing to install.

What risk level is restore_context? +

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

Can I rate-limit restore_context? +

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

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

restore_context is provided by the MCPEmulate MCP server (labguy94/mcpemulate). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.