create_saved_search · Mcp Zotero MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_saved_search does on Mcp Zotero

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_saved_search needs a policy

The tool creates a new saved search configuration in Zotero. This is a reversible, non-destructive operation (searches can be modified or deleted). It does not execute arbitrary code, delete data, move money, or retrieve existing data for external use. The blast radius of misuse is low—a malicious actor could create many searches, but this causes no data loss and has minimal operational impact.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_saved_search' and description 'Create a saved search' indicate creation of a saved search object, which is a reversible data modification operation in Zotero. This is consistent with the Write category (create, update, post, upload).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_saved_search Rate-limited

create_saved_search 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_saved_search": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_saved_search_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 Mcp Zotero, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_saved_search

What does the create_saved_search tool do? +

Create a saved search. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Mcp Zotero 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_saved_search? +

Register the Mcp Zotero MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_saved_search: 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 Mcp Zotero. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_saved_search? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_saved_search? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_saved_search 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_saved_search completely? +

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

create_saved_search is provided by the Mcp Zotero MCP server (nealcaren/mcp-zotero). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.