AI agents call list_memories to retrieve information from Agent Bus 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 existing memory data with optional filtering. It has no side effects—no data is created, modified, deleted, or executed. The operation is purely informational and read-only, making it the lowest risk category.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'list_memories' and description 'List structured memories for the current project/area' indicate a retrieval operation with no modification or deletion.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
List structured memories for the current project/area, optionally filtered by agent, kind, task, or thread. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Agent Bus MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Agent Bus MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for list_memories: 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 Agent Bus. Nothing to install.
list_memories 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_memories 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_memories. 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_memories is provided by the Agent Bus MCP server (mustaphasteph/agent-bus). 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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