van_mode · Memory Bank MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What van_mode does on Memory Bank MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why van_mode needs a policy

An AI agent can call van_mode faster than any human can review — one bad instruction and it creates or modifies resources in Memory Bank MCP Server by the hundred, each call as confident as the last.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

van_mode Rate-limited

van_mode 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": {
    "van_mode": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "van_mode_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 Memory Bank MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about van_mode

What does the van_mode tool do? +

Initialize project and determine complexity level. Entry point for the Memory Bank system. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Memory Bank MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on van_mode? +

Register the Memory Bank MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for van_mode: 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 Memory Bank MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is van_mode? +

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

Can I rate-limit van_mode? +

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

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

van_mode is provided by the Memory Bank MCP Server MCP server (nicavcrm/memory-bank-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.