summarize · Memmd MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What summarize does on Memmd

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why summarize needs a policy

This tool modifies shared memory state across multiple AI agent clients by archiving entries. Although reversible (archived data is not deleted), it alters the active memory visible to agents. The medium severity reflects that misuse could cause loss of visibility to important context across multiple integrated development environments, but the action is not irreversible (archived data persists).

From the tool's definition The tool description indicates it performs 'archive stale entries,' which modifies the memory state by moving or reorganizing data. While 'summarize' itself is read-like (analyzing existing memory), the archival component constitutes data modification.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

summarize Rate-limited

summarize 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": {
    "summarize": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "summarize_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 Memmd, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about summarize

What does the summarize tool do? +

Summarize memory by category and archive stale entries. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Memmd MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on summarize? +

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

What risk level is summarize? +

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

Can I rate-limit summarize? +

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

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

summarize is provided by the Memmd MCP server (matamong/memmd-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.