This record as markdown: /tools/openclaw/hooks.md
What hooks does on OpenClaw
AI agents use hooks to create or update resources in OpenClaw, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your OpenClaw environment.
Why hooks is rated Medium
The word 'manage' typically encompasses creating, updating, and potentially deleting hooks. Since the description is vague and doesn't specify read-only access, the most likely interpretation is that this tool can write/modify hook configurations. However, if hooks can be deleted, it could edge toward Destructive. Without more detail, Write is the best fit. Confidence is moderate due to the uninformative description.
From the tool's definition "Manage internal agent hooks" — 'manage' implies create/update/delete operations on hook configurations
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs hooks safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and OpenClaw, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For hooks, this is the rule to start with:
hooks 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.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect OpenClaw, apply this rule, and every hooks call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about hooks
Manage internal agent hooks. It is categorised as a Write tool in the OpenClaw MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the OpenClaw MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for hooks: 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 OpenClaw. Nothing to install.
hooks is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the hooks 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 hooks. 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.
hooks is provided by the OpenClaw MCP server (openclaw). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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