Return usage statistics for the given agent: total bytes stored, file count,
AI agents call get_usage_stats to retrieve information from Scratchpad without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool only reads and returns aggregate usage statistics (bytes stored, file count) for an agent. It is a passive query with no capability to modify state, execute code, delete data, or affect external systems. The low severity reflects minimal blast radius—an AI agent misusing this tool can only retrieve its own or others' usage metrics, which poses no significant risk.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'get_usage_stats' and description 'Return usage statistics for the given agent' indicate a query operation that retrieves metrics without modifying, deleting, or executing anything. No side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Return usage statistics for the given agent: total bytes stored, file count,. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Scratchpad MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Scratchpad MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_usage_stats: 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 Scratchpad. Nothing to install.
get_usage_stats 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 get_usage_stats 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 get_usage_stats. 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.
get_usage_stats is provided by the Scratchpad MCP server (mikepressure/scratchpad-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
get_usage_stats is one line of Scratchpad's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →