create_from_url · Devon MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_from_url does on Devon

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_from_url needs a policy

This tool creates new records in DEVONthink, a reversible operation that modifies the database state. It is a Write operation, not Read (no side effects) or Destructive (reversible). Severity is medium because creating unwanted records could clutter the database and consume resources, but the operation can be undone via delete_record. No financial or destructive consequences from the creation alone.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_from_url' and description 'Create a record in DEVONthink from a web URL' explicitly indicate creation of new data.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_from_url Rate-limited

create_from_url 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": {
    "create_from_url": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_from_url_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 Devon, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_from_url

What does the create_from_url tool do? +

Create a record in DEVONthink from a web URL. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Devon MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on create_from_url? +

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

What risk level is create_from_url? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_from_url? +

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

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

create_from_url is provided by the Devon MCP server (mnott/devon). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.