This record as markdown: /tools/openclaw/trace.md
What trace does on OpenClaw
AI agents use trace 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 trace is rated Medium
This tool writes/modifies a configuration setting (trace mode) on a plugin. It is reversible (can be toggled on or off), so it falls under Write rather than Destructive. Misuse could expose verbose debug information or suppress important logging, hence medium severity.
From the tool's definition 'Set plugin trace mode (on|off)' — modifies the trace/debug mode state of a plugin
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs trace 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 trace, this is the rule to start with:
trace 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 trace call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about trace
Set plugin trace mode (on|off). 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 trace: 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.
trace 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 trace 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 trace. 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.
trace 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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