memory_import · Claude Memory MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What memory_import does on Claude Memory MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why memory_import needs a policy

This tool creates or modifies memory records by importing data from files. It is reversible (imported data can be deleted via memory_delete), so it falls under Write rather than Destructive.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'memory_import' and description 'Import memories from exported .md files' indicates the tool creates or ingests data into the memory system.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

memory_import Rate-limited

memory_import 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": {
    "memory_import": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "memory_import_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 Claude Memory MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about memory_import

What does the memory_import tool do? +

Import memories from exported .md files. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Claude Memory MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on memory_import? +

Register the Claude Memory MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for memory_import: 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 Claude Memory MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is memory_import? +

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

Can I rate-limit memory_import? +

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

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

memory_import is provided by the Claude Memory MCP server (navid-kianfar/claude-memory-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.