Low Risk

nelly_context

Get expanded context from a specific session. Use this after nelly_search when the user wants to see more detail from a particular session before resuming it.

Accepts freeform code/query input (query); Single-target operation

Part of the Nelly the Elephant MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

nelly-elephant-mcp Read Risk 2/5

AI agents call nelly_context to retrieve information from Nelly the Elephant without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

Even though nelly_context only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

nelly-the-elephant.yaml
tools:
  nelly_context:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Nelly the Elephant policy for all 4 tools.

Tool Name nelly_context
Category Read
Risk Level Low

Agents calling read-class tools like nelly_context have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Other tools in the Read risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, allow) apply to each.

What does the nelly_context tool do? +

Get expanded context from a specific session. Use this after nelly_search when the user wants to see more detail from a particular session before resuming it.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Nelly the Elephant MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on nelly_context? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for nelly_context. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Nelly the Elephant MCP server.

What risk level is nelly_context? +

nelly_context is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit nelly_context? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the nelly_context rule in your Intercept 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 nelly_context completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for nelly_context. 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 nelly_context? +

nelly_context is provided by the Nelly the Elephant MCP server (nelly-elephant-mcp). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Nelly the Elephant

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
// GET IN TOUCH

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