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.
Risk signalsAccepts freeform code/query input (query)
Part of the Nelly the Elephant server.
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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.
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"nelly_context": {}
}
}See the full Nelly the Elephant policy for all 4 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access nelly_context gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:
Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.
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.
Register the Nelly the Elephant MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for nelly_context: 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 Nelly the Elephant. Nothing to install.
nelly_context 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 nelly_context 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 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.
nelly_context is provided by the Nelly the Elephant MCP server (nelly-elephant-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 4 Nelly the Elephant tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
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