cortex_add_snippet · Cortex MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What cortex_add_snippet does on Cortex MCP

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why cortex_add_snippet needs a policy

This tool creates and stores code snippets in a library, which is a reversible write operation. It does not execute code, delete data, or cause financial impact. The blast radius is minimal—a malicious agent could add misleading or malicious code snippets to the library, but this is recoverable through editing or deletion of those snippets.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'cortex_add_snippet' and description 'Save a code snippet to library' indicate creation/storage of data (code snippets) in a persistent library.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

cortex_add_snippet Rate-limited

cortex_add_snippet 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": {
    "cortex_add_snippet": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "cortex_add_snippet_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 Cortex MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about cortex_add_snippet

What does the cortex_add_snippet tool do? +

Save a code snippet to library. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Cortex 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 cortex_add_snippet? +

Register the Cortex MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for cortex_add_snippet: 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 Cortex MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is cortex_add_snippet? +

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

Can I rate-limit cortex_add_snippet? +

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

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

cortex_add_snippet is provided by the Cortex MCP server (neuralnexustech/cortex-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.