memory.annotate · Sylex Memory MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What memory.annotate does on Sylex Memory

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why memory.annotate needs a policy

The tool modifies existing memory entries by appending annotations, which is a reversible write operation. It cannot delete data, ruling out Destructive. Severity is medium because it can alter stored knowledge in a persistent encrypted memory system used by AI agents.

From the tool's definition 'Add a note to an existing memory' — creates new annotation data attached to an existing memory entry. 'You cannot delete memories' confirms no destructive capability.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

memory.annotate Rate-limited

memory.annotate 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": {
    "memory.annotate": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "memory.annotate_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 Sylex Memory, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about memory.annotate

What does the memory.annotate tool do? +

Add a note to an existing memory. You cannot delete memories —. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Sylex Memory MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on memory.annotate? +

Register the Sylex Memory MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for memory.annotate: 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 Sylex Memory. Nothing to install.

What risk level is memory.annotate? +

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

Can I rate-limit memory.annotate? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the memory.annotate 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 memory.annotate completely? +

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

memory.annotate is provided by the Sylex Memory MCP server (mastadoonprime/sylex-memory). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.