write-cypher

Execute Cypher queries with write capabilities

Can modify or delete graph data

Part of the Neo4j MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

@neo4j/mcp Write Risk 5/5

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents use write-cypher to create or modify resources in Neo4j. Write operations carry medium risk because an autonomous agent could trigger bulk unintended modifications. Rate limits prevent a single agent session from making hundreds of changes in rapid succession. Argument validation ensures the agent passes expected values.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON WRITE-CYPHER

Without a policy, an AI agent could call write-cypher repeatedly, creating or modifying resources faster than any human could review. Intercept's rate limiting ensures write operations happen at a controlled pace, and argument validation catches malformed or unexpected inputs before they reach Neo4j.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

Write tools can modify data. A rate limit prevents runaway bulk operations from AI agents.

neo4j.yaml

tools:
  write-cypher:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 30
          window: 60

See the full Neo4j policy for all 4 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name write-cypher

Category Write

MCP Server Neo4j MCP Server

Risk Level Medium

// MORE NEO4J TOOLS

Read get-schema Read list-gds-procedures Read read-cypher

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

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

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

// OTHER WRITE TOOLS ACROSS MCP SERVERS

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

AbraFlexi contact_create AbraFlexi contact_update AbraFlexi evidence_create AbraFlexi evidence_update AbraFlexi invoice_issued_update AbraFlexi invoice_received_create

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the write-cypher tool do? +

Execute Cypher queries with write capabilities. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Neo4j MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on write-cypher? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for write-cypher. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Neo4j MCP server.

What risk level is write-cypher? +

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

Can I rate-limit write-cypher? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the write-cypher 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 write-cypher completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for write-cypher. 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 write-cypher? +

write-cypher is provided by the Neo4j MCP server (@neo4j/mcp). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

write-cypher

Enforce policies on Neo4j