add_tags · MCP Bear MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What add_tags does on MCP Bear

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why add_tags needs a policy

Adding tags to a note is a write operation: it creates or modifies data (the tag association with a note) in a reversible manner. Tags can be removed later, so this is not destructive. It does not execute code or trigger external logic dependent on arguments, and involves no financial impact.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Add tags to an existing note' — a modification operation. Server description confirms 'write access to Bear Notes' and mentions tags can be 'managed directly'. The tool modifies note metadata (tags) reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

add_tags Rate-limited

add_tags 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": {
    "add_tags": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "add_tags_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 MCP Bear, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about add_tags

What does the add_tags tool do? +

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

How do I enforce a policy on add_tags? +

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

What risk level is add_tags? +

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

Can I rate-limit add_tags? +

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

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

add_tags is provided by the MCP Bear MCP server (maxim-ist/mcp-bear). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.