update_tags_tool · Alaya MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_tags_tool does on Alaya

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_tags_tool needs a policy

The tool modifies note metadata (tags) in a knowledge vault but does not create notes (create_note_tool), delete notes (delete_note_tool), or execute code. Tag additions and removals are reversible write operations.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Add or remove tags on an existing note.' The verbs 'add' and 'remove' indicate modifications to existing data (tags on notes). This is reversible metadata modification, characteristic of Write operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_tags_tool Rate-limited

update_tags_tool 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": {
    "update_tags_tool": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_tags_tool_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 Alaya, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_tags_tool

What does the update_tags_tool tool do? +

Add or remove tags on an existing note. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Alaya MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on update_tags_tool? +

Register the Alaya MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_tags_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.

What risk level is update_tags_tool? +

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

Can I rate-limit update_tags_tool? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_tags_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.

How do I block update_tags_tool completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for update_tags_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.

What MCP server provides update_tags_tool? +

update_tags_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.