AI agents call list_smart_rules to retrieve information from Devon without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool queries and retrieves smart rule configurations from a plist file without creating, modifying, deleting, or executing any operations. It is purely informational with minimal blast radius if misused by an agent.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_smart_rules' and description 'List all DEVONthink smart rules by parsing SmartRules.plist' indicate retrieval of existing data with no modification or deletion.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List all DEVONthink smart rules by parsing SmartRules.plist. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Devon MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Devon MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_smart_rules: 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.
list_smart_rules 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 list_smart_rules 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 list_smart_rules. 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.
list_smart_rules 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.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
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