AI agents call list_notes_tool to retrieve information from Alaya without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs a query-like operation to retrieve and organize existing notes from the knowledge vault without modifying, creating, or deleting any data. It has no side effects and poses minimal risk if misused by an AI agent, as it can only expose information the user already owns.
From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states 'List notes' with filtering and sorting capabilities—retrieves data with no side effects. The verb 'list' and operations like 'filter', 'sort' are characteristic of Read operations.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List notes. Filter by directory, tag, date range (since/until) or recent N days. Sort by modified/created/title. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Alaya MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Alaya MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_notes_tool: 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 Alaya. Nothing to install.
list_notes_tool is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the list_notes_tool 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for list_notes_tool. 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.
list_notes_tool is provided by the Alaya MCP server (luke-kucing/alaya). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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